Shadowing an Academic (Work Exp.)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of shadowing an academic as part of the university application process for mathematics. Participants explore what this experience entails, including timing and the potential roles of the academic being shadowed.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the specifics of shadowing an academic, seeking clarity on what the experience involves.
  • Another participant questions the timing of the shadowing, suggesting it could occur during breaks or study sessions, depending on the academic's schedule.
  • A later reply discusses the potential impact of the academic's responsibilities, such as teaching, research, and administrative duties, on their availability for shadowing.
  • One participant challenges the initial inquiry by asking for the purpose behind shadowing an academic, indicating a need for clarity on the motivations for this experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of understanding and curiosity about the shadowing experience, but there is no consensus on its purpose or the specifics of what it entails.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention factors that may influence the shadowing experience, such as the academic's role (research vs. teaching) and their workload during different times of the academic year, but these factors remain speculative.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing a mathematics degree or those considering shadowing opportunities in academic settings may find this discussion relevant.

FeDeX_LaTeX
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Hello,

I'm applying for maths at uni next year, and my careers advisor said that I could shadow an academic at my local university. I wanted to know what this entailed, exactly.

Thanks.
 
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FeDeX_LaTeX said:
Hello,

I'm applying for maths at uni next year, and my careers advisor said that I could shadow an academic at my local university. I wanted to know what this entailed, exactly.

Thanks.

Do you know when you will shadow them? For example is it in the break where classes are over and exams are also over, or during the study session?
 
Well, I have to submit my uni application by the beginning of October, so it'll be in the break when classes and exams are over I think -- though I could go in September where there may be a few classes going on.
 
FeDeX_LaTeX said:
Well, I have to submit my uni application by the beginning of October, so it'll be in the break when classes and exams are over I think -- though I could go in September where there may be a few classes going on.

Well if they are occupied with teaching duties that include mandatory room for student consultation, marking of assignments, preparation of exams, co-ordination of subjects and that kind of thing, chances are that they will have more free time to concentrate on other things.

Also another thing is if the professor is a research professor, teaching professor or both. If they are a teaching professor and exams have just finished, then you can situations where things are starting to wind down.

Things like the above will have a definite impact and I can't speculate exactly what they would do, but these kind of factors are definitely going to have some kind of impact on what they need to do and whether they have time to do things like research or even things like going to meetings discussing courses, course changes, and regular things that come up as a result of the end of a year (all kinds of reviews).
 
FeDeX_LaTeX said:
Hello,

I'm applying for maths at uni next year, and my careers advisor said that I could shadow an academic at my local university. I wanted to know what this entailed, exactly.

Thanks.

You neglected to say why you would do such a thing. What exactly is the purpose of shadowing "an academic" here?

Zz.
 

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