Spring Semester:

Orientation Meeting

The placement committee holds a meeting with students considering the job market and reviews a comprehensive handbook and materials, including sample job letters, cvs, and other materials.

First-Hand Accounts of Experience on the Job Market

Spring Panel/s on Alternative Humanities Careers and Pathways

The Placement Committee is committed to helping our English doctoral students prepare as well for rewarding careers other than strictly academic/teaching posts.  In Spring 2021, for example, we have invited speakers from a range of professions, some with NYU English PhDs, some with general humanities or other expertise, to talk about a range of trajectories in the humanities.

Summer Term:

Dossier Preparation

In consultation with students’ advisors, the committee works with students as they prepare cover letters, dissertation abstracts, cv’s and statements of teaching philosophy. Each dossier undergoes at least two rounds of editing by advisers and members of the placement committee who meet with students individually until the dossier is ready for submission for advertised positions and fellowships. All students submit their materials first to their advisers, by mid-July; then following revision in consultation with advisers, students submit their materials for review to the committee by mid-August.

Fall Semester:

Introductory Meeting

The placement committee meets with job seekers to discuss the contours of the job market, field questions and map out application strategies.

Workshop on the Teaching Portfolio

This workshop answers questions regarding the preparation and presentation of the teaching portfolio (syllabi, evaluations, teaching philosophy etc.). What should be included? How best to present data? What makes a teaching statement compelling?

Workshop on the Postdoctoral Fellowship Application

This workshop considers the unique genre of the fellowship application. How does this application differ from a standard cover letter? What makes a compelling research statement? 

Mock Interview Workshop

The mock interview workshop prepares students for answering questions on their research and teaching. Students are given questions/exercises to prepare in advance and are timed and given feedback on their responses.

Mock Interview Day

Students on the job market, or otherwise pursuing employment, sign up for to be interviewed by two faculty members, who then offer immediate feedback.

Winter Term:

MLA interviews and interview support more broadly

Mock Job Talks

Students present their job talks to faculty and students, field questions from the "audience" and receive feedback on their research and presentation from both specialist and non-specialist listeners.