Post-Secondary Instructor

Imagine you have just received a large grant to research water levels in the area surrounding your community. You believe that global climate change is affecting the water levels, and your research will allow you to test this theory. Your research takes you to remote areas of the wilderness where you’re able to combine your knowledge of the land and its ecosystems with modern technology. You also spend time in the classroom, teaching your methods and findings to enthusiastic students. Being able to pass on knowledge about the environment is one of the best parts of your job.

As a post-secondary instructor, you combine your belief in life-long learning with a desire to share the knowledge you have acquired. You work in university classrooms and laboratories, but also spend time in the field conducting your own research. You work independently most of the time, although sometimes you team up with other professors and students on research projects. You enjoy a flexible schedule and a degree of freedom not seen in most jobs. As well, you have the opportunity to travel around the world, meeting other people and sharing your research at conferences. You end each day feeling inspired to learn more, and feeling good that you’re making a difference in students’ lives.