How to Manage the Move from Associate to Full Professor

Moving from associate professor to full professor is generally the culmination of effort that began with the decision to go to graduate school. Navigating advancement from associate to full professor requires making some decisions and establishing a plan. This essay provides a discussion on the decisions to be made, the criteria for being promoted to full professor, and some about the process. It finishes with thoughts about what to do after being promoted. The intent is advice to younger professors and graduate students that can help guide career planning for progress to becoming a full professor.