
The New SE Faculty Symposium

I was in the right place at the right time! As a new PhD, I find myself pondering many arduous questions about a life in academia, so the Symposium on New Faculty in Software Engineering could not have come at a better time. The Symposium was structured as a set of presentations and a panel session on a range of topics including teaching, research, and funding, as well as intellectual property and how to have a life.  The invited speakers were a mix of experienced SE faculty, younger faculty who are a few years into their careers, and a few who have just received tenure. The audience seemed to enjoy the advice and resulting discussions. Ken Wong, one of the Symposium organizers, said “It went very well. We had plenty of interest, and although we did not have enough time for a detailed discussion we had much to learn.  This should definitely become a regular event at ICSE!” Afterwards, I interviewed several of the presenters who had these comments:
Lee Osterweil on ‘What Every Young SE Faculty Member Should Know’: “You should become an academic only if you feel a passion for research and have an educational mission. That’s what will make you successful. You need to be aware of what gives you personal satisfaction.”
Debra Richardson on ‘How to Get Tenure’: “What really matters? Evidence and perception of scholarly distinction and impact, a coherent body of work with a significant theme showing growth as a scholar, and respect by acknowledged experts in your field.”
Wilhelm Schaefer on ‘Publication Strategies’: “Take it very seriously, but don’t forget that it’s not a matter of life and death.”
Paul Sorenson on ‘Balancing Research, Teaching, and Life’: “Look after your career but not to the exclusion of other fundamental things in life, such as relationships with your family, with your close friends, and (in my case) with God.” 
Don’t miss it next year!

Daniela Damian
