# data[].attributes.body
The guest speakers and Q & A discussions directly addressed fundamental questions about the job search process. I was reminded of the importance of "fit" with my institution, which has prompted me to reflect on what I want out of an academic career.

# data[].attributes.headline
I really liked the scholarly identity sessions of the second day.   

# data[].attributes.subject
I really liked the scholarly identity sessions of the second day.   

# data[].attributes.body
When assumptions were made that all the participants were still finishing their dissertations I personally felt unseen. I completed my dissertation last month. I am already a postdoctoral fellow.

# data[].attributes.headline
I will apply to positions that are worth applying to. 

# data[].attributes.subject
I will apply to positions that are worth applying to. 

# data[].attributes.body
I will be more discerning as I choose which jobs I'll apply to. I will consider my "fit" with more clarity now that I'm more conscientious of my long-term scholarly career.

# data[].attributes.headline
Applying to 10-15 Assistant Professor/Postdoc positions. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Applying to 10-15 Assistant Professor/Postdoc positions. 

# data[].attributes.body
I'm going to "write a letter to my future scholarly self" and write out a description of all the institutional support I will need. I will make demands to have the resources I need and reject offers that do not meet my needs.

# data[].attributes.headline
This will give you a lot to think about and put things in perspective.

# data[].attributes.subject
This will give you a lot to think about and put things in perspective.

# data[].attributes.headline
Similar, quite smooth. More punctual than others. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Similar, quite smooth. More punctual than others. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Take advantage of share screen features and offer relevant visuals whenever possible. Offer hyperlinks to relevant resources whenever mentioned. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Take advantage of share screen features and offer relevant visuals whenever possible. Offer hyperlinks to relevant resources whenever mentioned. 

# data[].attributes.headline
Sure, it was a fun low stakes engagement with others.

# data[].attributes.subject
Sure, it was a fun low stakes engagement with others.

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you for organizing this event. I truly appreciate it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you for organizing this event. I truly appreciate it.

# data[].attributes.body
I felt comfortable either asking my question by raising my hand, in the chat or in the small group.

# data[].attributes.headline
I really enjoyed the balance of practical sessions that covered the elements of the job documents and broader ones about scholarly identity/reflections about future plans and self-care

# data[].attributes.subject
I really enjoyed the balance of practical sessions that covered the elements of the job documents and broader ones about scholarly identity/reflections about future plans and self-care

# data[].attributes.body
I think the session describing the difference between post doc/tenure-track jobs could've provided more examples of the overall differences and benefits and drawbacks of each

# data[].attributes.body
I feel more confident that I will find an opportunity that matches with who I am and what I want for myself/my life.

# data[].attributes.headline
Continue to identify positions that fit me

# data[].attributes.subject
Continue to identify positions that fit me

# data[].attributes.body
I will continue to look for jobs that seem to be a good fit and will think about my short and long term goals as a scholar and person

# data[].attributes.headline
This will give you a good sense of all the elements you need to know for the job app process and will help you rethink/reframe how you see job applications

# data[].attributes.subject
This will give you a good sense of all the elements you need to know for the job app process and will help you rethink/reframe how you see job applications

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you! You all did an amazing job :)

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you! You all did an amazing job :)

# data[].attributes.body
The seminar was very thorough. I appreciate that every speaker shared their analysis, experiences, and advice generously.

# data[].attributes.body
Strongest: Faculty shared practical tips. The panel on the job talk and campus visit broadly was most helpful.
Weakest: Format. A five-minute break between panels would be beneficial. It gives everyone a moment to step away from the screen, transition from taking in one big chunk of information to another, and jot down questions before moving on. A 30min round of introductions for participants is another idea. The seminar wasn’t designed for us to get to know who we were in a digital space with outside of our small groups. Starting at 10am the first day or ending 30min later on the first day can address this.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel more equipped to navigate the job market. I am elevating my strategy by reaching out to Mellon faculty, focusing on only 12 positions to really tailor my materials and networking, and more.

# data[].attributes.body
I will reach out to my committee and allies at other institutions to identify support for my candidacy. I will also revise my current job materials, especially my diversity statement, to reflect PFP wisdom. And I will craft materials that best advocate for my candidacy with various “flavors.”

# data[].attributes.body
Reflect on your MMUF journey. There was so much you didn’t know when you started this journey. And I know you’ve gained invaluable knowledge, mentorship, and relationships as a result of the fellowship up to this point. You’re transitioning into a new chapter of your journey. The PFP is a lifebuoy or life ring for fellows who are out in the water swimming towards the difficult currents of the job market. It’s truly remarkable that we have this lifeline, use it. Remember where you started on this journey, where you want to go, and all the people, experiences, and knowledge you needed to get to this point. Grab the PFP and swim.

# data[].attributes.body
Well organized to cover a lot of material in three-days

# data[].attributes.body
Include captions and breaks for virtual events

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you for adapting your programming under difficult circumstances.

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you for adapting your programming under difficult circumstances.

# data[].attributes.body
Each speaker brought their fullest engagement to the sessions and brought invaluable information that I could not have anticipated. I felt that they were truly committed to my success and were not only forthcoming about their experiences but also proactive about opening doors for post-conference communication.

# data[].attributes.headline
The strongest parts were when faculty broke down elements of the application and interview process with clear steps, examples, and language (in the sessions and the small groups). Their anecdotes helped to broaden my understanding of what's possible in this process. They've been on the other side of this, and we're imagining things in a void. Learning about how they schedule their days, what they expect to see and not see in certain statements, what it means to have a scholarly profile, etc. in clear terms was exactly what I needed. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The strongest parts were when faculty broke down elements of the application and interview process with clear steps, examples, and language (in the sessions and the small groups). Their anecdotes helped to broaden my understanding of what's possible in this process. They've been on the other side of this, and we're imagining things in a void. Learning about how they schedule their days, what they expect to see and not see in certain statements, what it means to have a scholarly profile, etc. in clear terms was exactly what I needed. 

# data[].attributes.body
The weakest part of the seminar was the lack of breaks 100%. It's harder to stay focused for 3 hours straight without burning out, than if you take short breaks over 6 hours (learned that from Shana!). The burnout was noticeable on people's faces and without having breaks you're forced to push yourself until you can't. It also makes it hard to stay fully engaged and ask your questions in the moment. I agree that a "getting to know you" session (even if it were the night before, like in a normal Mellon conference), would have been useful, especially if we're to rely on each other to apply for things this semester. It left the PFP fellows to organize additional meet ups themselves, and not everyone could attend.

# data[].attributes.headline
Another strong element: incorporating professors with a range of experiences - i.e. those who have gone through the job market and a postdoc in the pandemic, those who have a longer term (i.e. Chair) view of what they're looking for in a new hire, how to make the most of a postdoc, etc.

# data[].attributes.subject
Another strong element: incorporating professors with a range of experiences - i.e. those who have gone through the job market and a postdoc in the pandemic, those who have a longer term (i.e. Chair) view of what they're looking for in a new hire, how to make the most of a postdoc, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel like I have a much more clear plan about how to put my materials together (i.e.what to put in them!) and also a community of people that I can rely on to review my materials with affirming critiques. Given how absent committees can be, I'm still astounded that busy, productive Mellon professors make time to be the only support we may have, breathing life into what felt like a futile process of applying for jobs.

# data[].attributes.headline
Assemble a team of mentors to review my materials, Focus on applying to the handful of appropriate positions in my field, and sharing my heightened hopefulness about this process with other Mellons I know!

# data[].attributes.subject
Assemble a team of mentors to review my materials, Focus on applying to the handful of appropriate positions in my field, and sharing my heightened hopefulness about this process with other Mellons I know!

# data[].attributes.headline
The PFP is the only thing that has restored my hope that I might actually still be suitable for the professoriate and that I might one day thrive within it. 

# data[].attributes.subject
The PFP is the only thing that has restored my hope that I might actually still be suitable for the professoriate and that I might one day thrive within it. 

# data[].attributes.body
Multiple ABD years hit you hard, especially when your latter years of graduate school don't look as you envisioned them to be pre-ABD. I was almost ready to walk away, but the PFP and the phenomenal people in it restored my hope that I can still make it, and advance our collective mission of making the academy a more diverse and equitable place.

# data[].attributes.headline
Better - it was well organized, people got to the point (no wasted time), and it moved at a quicker pace than some of the virtual events that I've attended (that have more breaks)

# data[].attributes.subject
Better - it was well organized, people got to the point (no wasted time), and it moved at a quicker pace than some of the virtual events that I've attended (that have more breaks)

# data[].attributes.headline
The long length of the small group sessions was absolutely necessary since our faculty members gave us so much pointed feedback and attention!

# data[].attributes.subject
The long length of the small group sessions was absolutely necessary since our faculty members gave us so much pointed feedback and attention!

# data[].attributes.headline
Absolutely more breaks, even if just a collective 5 minutes so that we can all refresh together. You can screen share a timer so that we're all coordinated.

# data[].attributes.subject
Absolutely more breaks, even if just a collective 5 minutes so that we can all refresh together. You can screen share a timer so that we're all coordinated.

# data[].attributes.headline
I would have preferred a virtual meet up the night before to meet people, the pre-seminar padlet felt like extra homework. However I did enjoy the padlet for keeping track of questions in the chat. Any time I had to re-log into the Zoom I lost the links, questions, and feedback in the chat, so I'm glad we started using it during the workshop.

# data[].attributes.subject
I would have preferred a virtual meet up the night before to meet people, the pre-seminar padlet felt like extra homework. However I did enjoy the padlet for keeping track of questions in the chat. Any time I had to re-log into the Zoom I lost the links, questions, and feedback in the chat, so I'm glad we started using it during the workshop.

# data[].attributes.headline
Thanks for putting so much thought into making every last minute of this workshop exceptional - truly exceptional. Mellon folks never slack. 

# data[].attributes.subject
Thanks for putting so much thought into making every last minute of this workshop exceptional - truly exceptional. Mellon folks never slack. 

# data[].attributes.body
Can we please have some of the SSRC-Mellon swag? It's a bonding experience and helps to keep me motivated!

# data[].attributes.body
Speakers paid a lot of attention to each other and filled in gaps that one speaker might have opened up with a related cogent response. By piggy-backing off each other questions I didnt even know that I had were answered and the questions I did have were answered in the large group and in the small group.

# data[].attributes.body
Small group/Large group dynamic was so helpful. The small group provided preparation for taking concerns to the small group and also provided in depth support. It also increased collegial familiarity.

# data[].attributes.body
So many different faculty members from so many different kinds of institutions with such a wide range of experience.

# data[].attributes.body
Small group would have benefitted from more co-working on our materials.

# data[].attributes.body
The long seminar was necessary but would have benefitted from breaks that didnt only come in relation to lunch.

# data[].attributes.body
I took my first plunge into writing my job materials with this seminar. I feel so much more confident about the job application process because I know how to adjust the documents to meet the institutional demands. I am so grateful that now I have Mellon professors, tenured at that, who provide feedback and who provide support.

# data[].attributes.headline
Plan my next five years, organize my job materials, identify appropriate jobs, communicate more around my job application process.

# data[].attributes.subject
Plan my next five years, organize my job materials, identify appropriate jobs, communicate more around my job application process.

# data[].attributes.headline
Practically speaking, by the end of the seminar you will have at least one cover letter and one cv in hand you can use for applications as well as the acumen necessary to figure out how to adjust them for different kinds of jobs.

# data[].attributes.subject
Practically speaking, by the end of the seminar you will have at least one cover letter and one cv in hand you can use for applications as well as the acumen necessary to figure out how to adjust them for different kinds of jobs.

# data[].attributes.headline
More breaks, closed captioning, sign language

# data[].attributes.subject
More breaks, closed captioning, sign language

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you for organizing. This was extremely beneficial.

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you for organizing. This was extremely beneficial.

# data[].attributes.body
There was space for "no dumb question"

# data[].attributes.body
The range of experiences that were included in the discussions. The small groups were absolutely beneficial to be able to talk strategy as well as talk about any anxieties.

# data[].attributes.body
I would have liked a little more special attention based on the fields that people were in, the general overview was helpful, but I also wanted a little more advice on the specifics trends in my field. I know it was discussed that we didn't want to talk about negotiations, but I do think at least a small discussion on negotiations and the types of things to ask for instead of the first year would've been more helpful

# data[].attributes.body
I felt helped in strengthening my materials in small ways, but more importantly I feel more empowered to reach out to Mellon Fellows for advice and insight to their institutions

# data[].attributes.headline
Update job materials and contact Mellons at the institutions I am applying

# data[].attributes.subject
Update job materials and contact Mellons at the institutions I am applying

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you for the work of switching this to a virtual format, it was invaluable

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you for the work of switching this to a virtual format, it was invaluable

# data[].attributes.headline
It felt a little disjointed, but it's nice to have

# data[].attributes.subject
It felt a little disjointed, but it's nice to have

# data[].attributes.body
It's better to have the information and decide how you want to proceed rather than counting yourself out. Even for folks who are considering leaving academia, the seminar provides useful advice to remember that there is a place for you in the academy

# data[].attributes.body
All of my questions centered on fit and adapting materials to different institutions, which was the main focus of the speakers.

# data[].attributes.body
The number of speakers we were able to hear from and the different points in their careers

# data[].attributes.body
I would have liked time to workshop more materials in our small groups, such as Teaching and Diversity statements

# data[].attributes.body
I now feel I have a network of folks I can reach out to about specific jobs, negotiations, and questions

# data[].attributes.body
To the few jobs in my field and strategize how to use a postdoc to become a stronger candidate

# data[].attributes.body
You will walk out of this experience with the confidence that you are an ideal candidate and an institution would be lucky to have you.

# data[].attributes.body
I have not attended other virtual events like this one.

# data[].attributes.body
Similar to what others have said. More smaller breaks, even if it means taking some time away from the lunch break.

# data[].attributes.body
I didn’t really use it

# data[].attributes.body
Thank you to the organizers and speakers for a wonderful event.

# data[].attributes.body
The small groups were very helpful for answering individual questions. Thank you so much for clarifying and demystifying the job application process.

# data[].attributes.body
Diversity of perspectives and ranks (early, mid, and later career scholars). The overview of the structure of a search, how searches are conducted at different kinds of institutions, and the specificity about how things work over zoom during the pandemic (especially hearing from people who have been on the market and done searches during the pandemic) The advice about negotiations and publishing was helpful.

# data[].attributes.body
It would have been helpful to workshop more documents. It would have been helpful to have discussed postdocs and their application processes in its own unit. It would have been great to hear from first-year faculty who were not at top tier R1 schools. Given that some applications are now due as early as August, holding PFP earlier in the summer or at the end of the spring semester or permitting students to attend the year before they are on the market would be helpful.

# data[].attributes.body
I appreciated hearing from people who were critical of these institutions. It's been difficult for me to see myself continuing to write, research, shape my field, and mentor students because of the politics of my discipline and the white and aspiring or already upper/middle class culture of "academia." I don't feel like those challenges are insurmountable anymore and received the needed reminder to tap into this network. The way that you all approached the conversation around the arc of our careers and scholarly identity was useful. No one had asked me those questions before. They were things I had not thought about at all because I was focused on doing my work and clearing hurdles. Even over zoom, it was nice to take 3 days, step back and think about that.

# data[].attributes.body
I was very overwhelmed by the order of operations of applying for positions and preparing them. Everyone's organizational tips were helpful. But the most helpful advice came from Johnathan who suggested focusing on 2-3 priority applications and keeping a long list of maybes. This was helpful, but I am also taking McKinley's advice about accommodation and using additional resources to bring order to chaos.

# data[].attributes.body
I'm sorry but this is free job market advice from people at multiple institutions. You don't turn that down, there aren't other opportunities to hear from these different perspectives. I second the cover letter and CV thing. If Mellon has taught me one thing it's that there are things about academia that a) you know b) you know you don't know c) you don't know you don't know and d) (the most dangerous) you think you know but really don't know. This is an opportunity to clarify all of that and pull your head up from the books and think about the bigger picture.

# data[].attributes.headline
Well organized and reasonable amount of time on zoom

# data[].attributes.subject
Well organized and reasonable amount of time on zoom

# data[].attributes.body
My only recommendation would be to let us know about the time frame (even without a schedule - just that it's from 10:30-5 or 1 each day) would have been helpful.

# data[].attributes.body
Letting us know the time frame in advance (a week's notice would be great). I know it would have been a retreat under normal circumstances. But as someone who previously had some family responsibilities and was competing for bandwidth for zoom, knowing the hours in advance is super helpful.

# data[].attributes.body
It was ok for doing introductions. But, zoom's chat feature has the option to download or print the chat making it easier to save Q&A and links. The Padlet was a little overwhelming to navigate for the Q&A and then it seemed that one would also have to copy down the answers to questions and any shared links. Also to others' points about accessibility: I'm not sure how user-friendly Padlet is if someone needs assistive tech and the platform is a little much for some neurodiverse people (folks with visual processing challenges, ADHD, etc). I'm not sure if it has like a simplified viewing option or if one signs up it makes it a bit more friendly for neurodiverse folks.

# data[].attributes.headline
Thank you so much to everyone who put this together and took the time to help guide us. I deeply appreciate it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Thank you so much to everyone who put this together and took the time to help guide us. I deeply appreciate it.

# data[].attributes.body
Most of my questions were answered in the small group. However, in the larger chat, not all my questions were answered.  and it was difficult to keep track. Some of the questions were responded with "we will get to that at a later time" and they were not addressed. There was not enough time for questions overall - and I think adding more breaktimes would have allowed for more conversations to sprout. Also - I am not sure what questions I had before participating, there was just much I didn't know.

# data[].attributes.body
Strong  - there was a lot of information, the small groups were absolutely beneficial. I would have preferred more time there. I appreciate the feedback on cover statement.

Weak - there was way too much information with too few breaks. The padlets were a helpful introduction, but I had no idea who the other seminar participants were. Many terms panelists used were uncommon to me as a graduate student - so many a form in advance defining terms would be helpful to follow.

# data[].attributes.body
We've been conditioned as graduate students to think about deficiences and the way we "lack" things. I think having the language of "this is who I am" is empowering - especially as we enter the next phase

# data[].attributes.body
reach out to schools that I have to identify a mentor for the post doc ( I don't believe this question of mine was answered either!)

# data[].attributes.body
Honestly, in graduate school I somewhat lost sight that I was a mellon - this seminar is a helpful reminder that mellons have come before you, are in positions, and are navigating academia

# data[].attributes.body
I have not attended a 3 day virtual seminar.

# data[].attributes.body
Maybe instead of padlet, use google docs to collect questions (where panelists can answer!) in written form and can be distributed after the session

have a dean and provost participate.

# data[].attributes.body
Overall - this was excellent in helping me get to the right mindset about applying for positions, and knowing my worth while doing so.

# data[].attributes.body
Almost like trello, personally I didnt refer to it during the seminar and viewed it like a chore, but I do appreciate the creativity of including it.

# data[].attributes.body
All speakers gave well-rounded responses and I'm grateful most people said we could contact them personally if we'd like to chat.

# data[].attributes.body
Loved the small group seminars and feedback sessions with Fareeda! We really built a good honest small group w her direction

# data[].attributes.body
We never introduced ourselves to each other and were seated too long in the sessions. A 5-10 minute break in between would have been useful for reorienting.

# data[].attributes.body
Nice to get a sense that these positions we might be entering could be a stepping stone, not the end all be all of our careers.

# data[].attributes.body
I think a session that describes how best to decide who can be a mentor/postdoc advisor and ways to find a good fit/reach out would be really useful. I plan to do this in the coming weeks.

# data[].attributes.body
Having clear feedback and being able to see other fellow's materials is immensely beneficial at this stage and this time of the semester. I also felt great to see (virtually face to face) people that had recently been on my path.

# data[].attributes.body
Smooth, but would have liked to have received the schedule a bit sooner.

# data[].attributes.body
Potentially a workshop/screen share where we are able to see a complete job materials package depending on our field (a recent TT alumni sharing this would be great)

# data[].attributes.body
it was useful the days before, but not during the event

# data[].attributes.body
Given the circumstances, this was a great event and was handled very smoothly. I am so grateful for all the wisdom shared.