Tenure—Analysis for Professional Engineers in Education

Abstract

For professional engineers in education (PEE's), tenure is a necessity for continued employment; it is also a recognition of academic excellence. The road toward tenure is fraught with pitfalls. Tenure requirements are often vague, and may vary among years and individuals. Work environment as well as personal abilities influence a PEE's chances for tenure. Beginning PEE's need to recognize these factors from the onset of their academic careers and develop a plan to address them. Success for PEE's depends on making judicious choices regarding employers, research projects, and other work‐related issues. It also depends on developing or enhancing the right mental attitude and organizational skills. The quest for tenure should begin by PEE's asking employers certain questions even before they accept their first appointment. PEE's can further improve their chances of achieving tenure by carefully planning and following a strategy that leads to tenurable activities after appointment.