Consultations: Academic World
Dr. Christina Jen, Assistant Professor of English at Southern University and A&M College
“Dr. Scott Challener offered me immense support and guidance as I navigated the challenges of the 2022-2023 academic job market. After I began the interview process for a faculty position at an HBCU, he answered specific questions I had about HBCUs and academia more generally. He advised me on my communications with the department chair at the institution I was considering and even helped me craft a letter of negotiation for the offer I received. I highly recommend Dr. Challener as a consultant for your needs on the job market.”
Dr. Leah Kuragano, Assistant Professor of History, University of Winnipeg
“Dr. Challener’s guidance undoubtedly contributed to my ability to secure a tenure-track position directly out of graduate school. He worked with me throughout the entire process from developing my application materials to negotiating my contract. Among Dr. Challener’s many strengths is his grasp of the job application documents — cover letter and statements of teaching, research, and DEI — as a genre of writing with certain expectations and conventions. After workshopping my statements with Dr. Challener, I felt far more confident than I would have otherwise. Several search committee members even commented on the exceptional clarity of my application materials! I will be forever grateful to Dr. Challener for his assistance and mentorship.”
Dr. Zarah Quinn, Women & Gender Studies and Africana Studies, Virginia Tech
“Dr. Challener was crucial for my success in obtaining a full time academic teaching position upon graduation. Dr. Challener provided vital feedback on my academic cover letter early in the process, and when I finally (finally!) received an offer months later, Dr. Challener provided critical advice for negotiating. Dr. Challener has been through the ups and downs of higher ed precarity and knows it intimately. He also understands the stakes of supporting women and people of color in navigating the hidden curriculum of the academic job market. I recommend him to anyone who is thinking about their future or at any stage of the process. He will be helpful in any context, and will remind you that despite the dehumanizing process of ‘being on the market,’ that you are qualified for and deserving of a position in higher education.”
I offer consultations to graduate students and junior faculty on every stage of the application process, from going on - or returning to - the job market to interviews and negotiations. I also help clients apply for fellowships, scholarships, grants, and other external opportunities. In addition to helping clients prepare their materials (CVs; cover letters; personal statements; teaching, research, and diversity statements; writing samples, etc.), I monitor and share relevant opportunities that match their areas of interest and expertise. If you are interested in working with me, please reach out to me at scottchallener@gmail.com. I offer fees on a sliding scale.