Investigating the experience of lecturers who transitioned from industry to academia at Mangosuthu University of Technology

DOI

10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_6How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Transition; academia; industry; research; teaching

Abstract

This study explores the experiences of lecturers who transitioned from industry to academia at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) in Durban, South Africa. The participants represented diverse faculties. The findings revealed that lecturers were motivated to transition to academia for various reasons, such as seeking career advancement, job satisfaction, and the opportunity to share their industry expertise with students. Some transitions were triggered by external factors like retrenchment. Lecturers’ industry experience proved valuable in academia, enabling them to incorporate real-world examples and case studies into their teaching, enhancing its relevance and practicality. Practical knowledge, facilitating and presentation skills, computer proficiency, and research abilities were identified as crucial assets from their industry background, enhancing their effectiveness in academic roles. However, they faced challenges in adapting to the academic environment, including teaching methodologies, research expectations, and different skill set requirements. The study highlighted the significance of collaboration and networking in academia, a different aspect from their previous industry experience. The level of support and collaboration among colleagues within departments varied, indicating potential areas for improvement. To enhance the transition experience and support systems for future academics, the study recommended comprehensive orientation and induction programs, mentorship initiatives, and prioritizing practical resources for subjects requiring industry expertise. Additionally, supporting staff members’ professional development and addressing workload challenges were suggested to create a nurturing academic environment. This study sheds light on the complexities of transitioning from industry to academia, emphasizing the need for comprehensive support to foster successful and fulfilling academic careers for lecturers at MUT.

Copyright

© 2023 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - R. Tshibangu
AU  - P. Y Sikosana
PY  - 2023
DA  - 2023/11/06
TI  - Investigating the experience of lecturers who transitioned from industry to academia at Mangosuthu University of Technology
BT  - Proceedings of the 10th Focus Conference (TFC 2023)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 78
EP  - 93
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_6
DO  - 10.2991/978-2-38476-134-0_6
ID  - Tshibangu2023
ER  -