Advice To Professor Mom

Few engineering and engineering technology faculty are women, and fewer still have children. Is it a choice: “A Wife or a Life?” (Ms Mentor’s Impeccable Advice for Women in Academia, Emily Tooth, University of Pennsylvania Press, 1997). Such a view makes having a family and gaining tenure sound either impossible or easy (if your husband is helpful). Reality lies in between. In order to recruit and retain women into engineering and engineering technology fields, female faculty must be present as successful role models. It is essential that faculty and administrators understand the issues faced by working mothers to create an environment where success is possible for all faculty members. Two engineering technology faculty members have some practical advice for “Professor Mom.” Set your priorities and live with them. Give your best to your family first. As successful men retire, they often wish they had spent more time with their family and less time at work. As “Professor Mom” (realize mothers are exceptionally prone to guilt), it is even more important for you to be a crucial part of the life of your family. And, “Professor Mom,” give your smartest to your career. Spend your time wisely and document everything so nothing your accomplish gets forgotten. Tie your two roles together. And remember that neither time “in rank” or childhood lasts forever.