Professor standing at the edge of a cliff, looking towards a university campus

First Year as Professor: How to Thrive and Avoid the Cliff

Lena Voss in Mind & Education June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Navigating the transition from researcher to professor with insights from those who've been there."

The shift from a seasoned researcher to a tenure-track professor is one of the most significant leaps in an academic's career. It's a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and, for many, a healthy dose of trepidation. As a new professor, you're not just continuing your research; you're building a lab, mentoring students, teaching courses, and navigating university politics—all at once.

Many new professors find themselves caught off guard by the sheer volume and variety of responsibilities. What was once a focused pursuit of knowledge now demands juggling multiple roles, each with its own set of challenges and expectations. The pressure to secure funding, publish groundbreaking research, and earn the respect of your peers can feel overwhelming.

This article delves into the realities of the first year as a professor, drawing insights from those who have successfully navigated this transition. It aims to provide practical advice, address common pitfalls, and offer reassurance that you're not alone in facing these challenges. Whether you're about to start your first academic year or are already in the thick of it, this guide will help you find your footing and thrive in your new role.

Embrace the Multifaceted Role: Researcher, Fundraiser, Mentor, Teacher, Manager

Professor standing at the edge of a cliff, looking towards a university campus

The first year as a professor requires embracing a multifaceted role that extends far beyond research. As C&EN Senior Correspondent Lisa Jarvis discovered, the transition involves becoming a fundraiser, mentor, teacher, and manager—all while maintaining your research program. Balancing these responsibilities requires careful planning and a willingness to adapt.

Here’s how to navigate these diverse roles:

Researcher: Continue your research while setting up your lab and establishing your research agenda. Prioritize projects and delegate tasks effectively.
Fundraiser: Securing funding is crucial for sustaining your research. Develop grant proposals and network with potential funding sources.
Mentor: Guide students and postdocs, fostering their professional growth and providing support. Invest in building a positive and productive lab environment.
Teacher: Prepare engaging and informative lectures, and create a supportive learning environment. Seek feedback from students and adapt your teaching style accordingly.
Manager: Oversee lab operations, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Delegate administrative tasks where possible to focus on research and mentoring.

Understanding that you're not just a researcher anymore is the first step toward effectively managing your time and energy. Embrace each role and recognize the value it brings to your overall career.

You're Not Alone: Building a Supportive Network

Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Connecting with other new professors, seeking advice from experienced mentors, and building a supportive network can make all the difference. Join professional organizations, attend conferences, and participate in online forums to connect with colleagues and share experiences. By learning from others and offering your own support, you can navigate the challenges of the first year and build a rewarding academic career.

About this Article -

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Everything You Need To Know

What are the key roles a new professor must embrace during the first year, and why is this shift so significant?

During the first year, a new professor transitions into a multifaceted role encompassing Researcher, Fundraiser, Mentor, Teacher, and Manager. This shift is significant because it demands a departure from the singular focus of research, requiring the professor to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously. As a Researcher, you continue your work while establishing your lab; as a Fundraiser, you seek financial support; as a Mentor, you guide students; as a Teacher, you deliver lectures; and as a Manager, you oversee lab operations. Failing to recognize this multifaceted role can lead to feeling overwhelmed and ineffective, so careful planning and adaptability are essential for thriving.

How can a new professor effectively manage their time and energy when faced with the demands of being a Researcher, Fundraiser, Mentor, Teacher, and Manager?

Effective time and energy management involves recognizing that you're no longer solely a researcher. Prioritize research projects and delegate tasks where possible. As a Researcher, focus on setting up your lab and defining your research agenda. For the Fundraiser role, develop grant proposals and network with potential funding sources. As a Mentor, guide students and foster a productive lab environment. In the Teacher role, prepare engaging lectures and seek student feedback. Finally, as a Manager, oversee lab operations and delegate administrative tasks. This approach helps balance the various demands.

What strategies can a new professor use to secure funding for their research?

Securing funding is crucial, and new professors should actively develop grant proposals and network with potential funding sources. This proactive approach is part of the Fundraiser role, which is integral to sustaining a research program. Identifying and connecting with potential funders, understanding the grant application process, and crafting compelling proposals are all essential steps. The more effort you put into the Fundraiser role, the better your chances of securing the necessary resources for your research.

In what ways does the role of Mentor impact a new professor's first-year experience, and what are some best practices?

As a Mentor, a new professor guides students and postdocs, fostering their professional growth and providing crucial support. This role significantly impacts the first-year experience by requiring the professor to build a positive and productive lab environment. Best practices include investing time in mentoring, providing constructive feedback, and creating a supportive atmosphere. This is not only important for the students' success but also contributes to the professor's overall job satisfaction and the lab's productivity. The Mentor role is essential for the long-term development of both the students and the professor's career.

Why is building a supportive network essential for new professors, and what avenues are available to help establish these connections?

Building a supportive network is essential because the first year as a professor can be challenging. Connecting with other new professors, seeking advice from experienced mentors, and sharing experiences can significantly ease the transition. Avenues for establishing these connections include joining professional organizations, attending conferences, and participating in online forums. By learning from others and offering your own support, new professors can navigate challenges and build rewarding academic careers, making the journey less isolating and more successful.