Preface. Acknowledgments. Introduction. SETTING THE STAGE. The Academic Enterprise. Science and Engineering in Higher Education. New Challenges for the Professoriate. PREPARING FOR AN ACADEMIC CAREER. Your professional Preparation Strategy. Research as a Graduate Student and Postdoc. Teaching Experiences Prior to Becoming a Professor. FINDING AND GETTING THE BEST POSSIBLE ACADEMIC POSITION. Identifying the Possibilities. Applying for Positions. Getting the Results You Want. LOOKING AHEAD TO YOUR FIRST YEARS ON THE JOB - ADVICE FROM THE FIELD. Changing Gears. Insights on Time Management. Insights on Teaching and Learning. Insights on Research. Insights on Professional Responsibility. Insights on Tenure. Insights on Academia: Needed Changes. APPENDIXES. Appendix A: Possible Items for Inclusion in a Teaching Portfolio. Appendix B: Statement of Personal Philosophy Regarding Teaching and Learning. Appendix C: Professional Associations for Academic Job Seekers in Science and Engineering. Appendix D: Questions to Ask Before Accepting a Faculty Position. Appendix E: Sample Offer Letters. Appendix F: Elements Found in Most Successful Proposals. Appendix G: Common Shortcomings of Grant Proposals. Index. About the Author.