"I Have Concepts of a Plan": A Guide for Academics

Ever feel like you’re on the verge of greatness but… not quite there? Fear not, my fellow academics! Inspired by that presidential debate gem, “I have concepts of a plan,” I bring you the perfect instances where this phrase is exactly what you need.

During a Conference Presentation

When someone asks a tricky question during Q&A that you definitely weren’t prepared for:

“Ah, yes, I have concepts of a plan for that follow-up study. Stay tuned!” (Translation: I have no clue, but it sounds promising, right?)

Grant Application Time

When you’re staring down the section that asks for your ‘project timeline’:

“I have concepts of a plan involving deadlines... and maybe some deliverables... give or take a few years.” (Time is a social construct anyway.)

Writing Your Tenure Dossier

When you’re explaining how your work will “impact the field for generations to come”:

“I have concepts of a plan that will probably reshape the entire discipline.” (It’s more of a vibe than a solid strategy, but it’ll work itself out.)

When Asked About Your Book Proposal

Your publisher wants an update on the book you’ve been writing for three years:

“I have concepts of a plan, chapters will definitely materialize soon!” (Spoiler: Your bibliography is still a work in progress.)

At the Job Market

In your academic job interview when they ask how you plan to balance research, teaching, and service:

“Oh, I have concepts of a plan that harmoniously integrates all three!” (Which is code for “Let’s just see what happens, okay?”)

When an interviewer asks about your long-term research strategy:

“I have concepts of a plan that will revolutionize the field...eventually.” (It’s like a plan, but much more conceptual and less, you know, planned.)

When Collaborating on a Multi-Author Paper

When your co-authors ask when you’ll get that data analysis done:

“I have concepts of a plan to finish it… before the end of the millennium.” (This buys you at least another month, right?)

Final Thoughts

The next time someone asks you for detailed, actionable plans, just remember—you don’t need a fully formed strategy. You just need concepts of a plan.