The Academic Career: Embracing Innovation in Teaching and Scholarship

Hyeryung Hwang (PhD 2017) trained with Professor Timothy Brennan in postcolonial studies and world literature, and now serves as an assistant professor of global literature in the Department of Liberal Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. In between, she gained experience in innovative teaching practices, especially as a Marion L. Brittain Postdoctoral Fellow at Georgia Tech. “I focused on developing expertise in multidisciplinary course design, multimodal writing, and digital humanities pedagogy,” Hwang says. “This role was transformative, and it gave me a deeper understanding of what ‘innovative teaching’ truly entails.” A tenure-track position at McNeese State University in Louisiana allowed her to work with MFA graduate students and further develop academic interests in global perspectives, leading to her current role. Hwang graciously answered our emailed questions.

What has surprised you most about your current position?

The significant amount of service work that is expected of tenure-track faculty members. I had anticipated that my primary responsibilities would revolve around teaching and research. However, I quickly realized that service to the university and broader academic community is a crucial part of the tenure-track experience. This includes participating in departmental committees, contributing to curriculum development, and engaging in university governance, among other duties. I have come to appreciate the role of shared governance, especially within the California State University system, which emphasizes a collaborative approach to decision-making. While this can sometimes feel like an additional burden for faculty, I understand its importance in maintaining academic freedom, promoting a healthy university culture, and ensuring that institutional decisions reflect the needs of students and the wider community.

What is most fulfilling or energizing about your work?

My students are, without a doubt, the most inspiring part of my work. They bring fresh perspectives, challenging ideas, and a passion for social justice that keeps me motivated and deeply engaged in both teaching and research. Their questions, critiques, and insights often challenge me to refine my ideas and explore new directions in my own scholarship. This reciprocal relationship keeps my work vibrant and intellectually stimulating. It also reinforces my belief in the power of education as a tool for social change.

What do you wish you had known as a graduate student?

As a graduate student, I understood the importance of networking within academia, but I didn’t fully realize how transformative and far-reaching these connections could be. I wish I had recognized earlier the value of expanding my collaborations beyond my immediate research focus. Engaging with scholars in different fields can open up unexpected avenues for innovation, inspire new ideas, and offer fresh perspectives that enrich both my scholarship and my teaching.

I also wish I had been more proactive about building deeper, sustained relationships with both peers and mentors. Graduate school often feels like a race to complete your dissertation, but taking the time to form strong relationships can provide intellectual support, career guidance, and even opportunities for joint projects. The academic job market can be daunting and competitive, so having mentors, colleagues, and peers to offer advice, feedback, and moral support is crucial. These bonds extend far beyond graduate school and can be some of the most valuable aspects of your professional life.

What advice would you give current graduate students considering or preparing for the academic job market?

As you navigate your studies, make a conscious effort to work across disciplines, seek out collaborative research opportunities, and connect with faculty and researchers outside your area of expertise. This kind of interdisciplinary work not only broadens your intellectual horizons but also makes you a more versatile and competitive candidate in the job market.

Take every opportunity to hone your collaborative skills—whether through co-authoring papers, participating in research teams, or contributing to university service. Attend conferences and participate in workshops. Again, remember that the academic job market is about more than just showcasing your individual research. It’s about demonstrating your ability to contribute to a larger academic community, and to innovate. Academia thrives on collective intellectual engagement.