Words of Wisdom: The Best Advice I've Received in My Academic Career

Throughout my academic journey, I’ve been fortunate to receive valuable advice from mentors, colleagues, and friends. These words of wisdom have helped shape the way I navigate my career, and I often share them with others. Here are some of the best pieces of advice I’ve received to date:

1. "Don’t be a one-trick pony."
This was some of the earliest advice I received, and it stuck with me. It’s important to have a multifaceted research agenda and pursue different interests, but the key is finding what connects them. Is it a commitment to intersectionality? A passion for amplifying marginalized voices? For me, it’s often a combination of both. Having diverse interests makes my work richer, and I’ve found that interdisciplinary scholarship allows for new ways of thinking. It’s a reminder to stay open to new ideas and resist being pigeonholed.

2. "Be yourself."
I’ve been told I have a natural charm, but more importantly, that I bring a nonjudgmental, positive energy into spaces that is contagious. This was liberating advice. I’m myself in all spaces—whether that means using my sense of humor, making non-stop hand gestures (seriously, I can’t stop moving when I talk), or embracing my moments of shyness. Academia often feels like a place where we have to perform professionalism in a rigid way, but staying true to who I am has helped me connect with students, colleagues, and collaborators on a more authentic level. And I’ve learned that people appreciate that.

3. "Balls will be dropped, and you will have to accept it."
The academic workload is brutal. There are moments when you feel overwhelmed and exhausted, and sometimes, despite your best efforts, things slip through the cracks. It took me time to accept this, but I’ve learned that it’s impossible to keep up with everything perfectly. We’re human, after all, and as long as we’re doing our best, that’s enough. Accepting this reality has helped me feel less guilty when I can’t do it all.

4. "Administrative assistants are your best friends."
This advice came from a senior colleague, and it couldn’t be more true. Administrative assistants are the backbone of academic departments. They know the ins and outs of the institution better than anyone and provide crucial support. Building relationships with them has made my academic life smoother, and I’m endlessly grateful for their help and expertise. They truly are the unsung heroes of academia.

5. "Observe and listen carefully to your surroundings."
There’s politics everywhere in academia, and I’ve learned that it’s important to pay attention to what’s going on around me. I’m not naturally inclined to engage in academic politics, but being observant and listening carefully has allowed me to better understand the dynamics at play. It helps to navigate tricky situations and maintain a clear sense of direction. This advice has helped me build relationships and advocate for my work in a thoughtful way.

6. "If it’s no longer fun, is it still worth it?"
While academia is not all roses, it’s crucial to check in with yourself and ask this question. Passion is what drives me, and when I lose sight of that, the work becomes harder. It’s important to have moments where you can reignite that spark, whether through an exciting project or a collaboration that energizes you. While there will always be challenges, I try to ensure that the core of what I do still brings me joy.

7. "Try and rest."
This one is hard for many of us in academia. The pressure to produce, publish, and push ourselves to the limit is intense. But this advice reminds me that rest is necessary—not only for our health but for the quality of our work. Burnout is real. Rest allows me to return to my work with a clearer mind and more energy.

8. "Stay true to yourself and be kind to yourself."
Lastly, I’ve been reminded time and again that staying true to myself is the most important thing I can do. Academia can try to mold you, but staying authentic has been key to my growth and happiness. Alongside that, being kind to myself is just as important. It’s easy to be critical and feel like you’re not doing enough, but self-compassion is essential in this line of work.

9. "Don’t let silly, neoliberal ideas of competition get to you."
Academia can often feel like a race, with a pressure to out-publish or out-perform others. This advice helped me remember that competition is a construct that doesn’t benefit anyone in the long run. By focusing on collaboration rather than competition, we can do better, more meaningful work, and create a more supportive academic environment for everyone.

10. "Be humble."
Finally, being humble is key to growth. No matter how much you achieve, there’s always more to learn, and staying humble allows you to continue learning from others. Academia is filled with brilliant minds, and recognizing that you can learn from anyone—whether it’s a student or a colleague—opens up opportunities for growth and collaboration.

These pieces of advice have helped me navigate the complexities of academia while staying grounded in my values and passions. I hope they offer some guidance to others as well.