Academic title in your e-mail signature

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the inclusion of academic titles and certifications, such as PhD and PMP, in email signatures. Participants express varied opinions, with some advocating for job titles only, citing relevance and professionalism. A notable point is the policy at one workplace that prohibits academic titles in internal communications, emphasizing that job titles reflect professional roles rather than academic achievements. Cultural differences also play a significant role, particularly with German colleagues who place high importance on formal titles.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of professional email etiquette
  • Familiarity with academic titles and certifications
  • Knowledge of workplace communication policies
  • Acknowledgment of cultural differences in professional settings
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  • Research best practices for professional email signatures
  • Explore workplace communication policies regarding titles
  • Learn about cultural differences in professional communication
  • Investigate the impact of academic titles on professional credibility
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Professionals in corporate environments, HR managers, and anyone interested in understanding the implications of academic titles and certifications in professional communication.

Math Is Hard
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Do you list an academic title (like PhD) or certification (PMP) in your email signature? I see some of both where I work.
 
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Math Is Hard said:
Do you list an academic title (like PhD) or certification (PMP) in your email signature? I see some of both where I work.
I don't, but many folks, particularly PhDs and PEs do.
 
I put my job title in my email signature.
My academic title is not really relevant so I leave it out.

Is the academic title or certification relevant where you work?
 
We're required to put our job title on our sigs at work. Sometimes, if I know the person I'm writing, I replace my title with "Laboratory Dogsbody" :biggrin:.
 
I don't and never would 'just because'. I find it's off-putting and pretentious. (when optional)

If I were chatting with someone on the street and he or she out-of-nowhere said "I have a PhD", and it wasn't something I needed to know or care about, I would think they are kind of rude. I don't see how putting it in a signature unnecessarily is any different.
 
I don't usually, but I have been known to follow my initials with "range/lab rat" depending if I am on the test range or in the lab working. Most people I work with know that if I say that, I am out of town and don't try to get a hold of me any further.
 
My employer has a policy of NOT including academic/professional titles on any internal emails or reports. Job titles are a different matter - the logic being that your job title reflects what the company is paying you to do, not what pieces of paper you collected by jumping through hoops.

That doesn't necessarily apply to communications outside the company, if there is a justifiable reason for including them (e.g. published papers, conference presentations, etc) - but self-aggrandisement doesn't count as a justification.

But even with that policy, there are huge differences between different cultures. Our German colleagues don't think they "know" anybody until they have seen an organization chart with at least 100 boxes on it showing how they fit into the "big picture". And if you get confused and permute the order of Herr Dr. Ing. Eur. (or should that be Herr Ing. P. Eur. Dr.?) you instantly lose all credibility :smile:
 
Of course I do, I worked hard to get it :wink: If it is relevant for your work, why wouldn't you use it? When I send e-mails to colleagues or my hairdresser I always leave out the signature.
 

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