Outreach and Community Engagement for Early-Career Academics

For those of us in academia, fall tends to be one of the busiest times of the year when teaching and research activities are in full swing. You are likely also occupied with service activities such as committee work and other administrative tasks assigned by your employer. And yet, upon learning about exciting opportunities for further engagement and outreach within or beyond the confines of campus, you might be intrigued to take on even more. Many of these outreach and engagement opportunities are voluntary, so you may be wondering how much time is appropriate to invest in these additional responsibilities, and how important they might be for your career development.

Here, we explore some of the more common questions about the value and importance of outreach and engagement for early-career academics.

How much time should I invest in outreach?

In academia, outreach activities tend to fall under the umbrella of service but can also cross over into teaching and research, so the performance expectations for your position can serve as a good guide for how much time to devote to outreach. For example, a common rule of thumb for tenure-track faculty effort at research-oriented institutions in the U.S. is 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service, but this breakdown can vary by career stage, position, and institutional priorities. Typically, service loads are lighter for pre-tenure academics and gradually increase during later career years. Talk with your supervisor about their expectations for outreach and then budget your time accordingly.

What types of outreach activities are most highly valued for career advancement?

The answer to this question depends largely on your career stage, professional goals, and the expectations of your position, among other factors. As an early-career academic, you likely have an eye cast toward bolstering your portfolio with new outreach experiences and making new connections in the community. These activities will likely lead to further opportunities for networking and career advancement. For more established academics, outreach activities often shift toward activities that involve sharing their experience to help more junior colleagues, postdocs, and students – for example, helming workshops at scientific conferences and other venues on professional development, fundraising success, and publishing strategies. Then there are outreach activities mandated by funding agencies to maximize the broader impacts of your proposed research projects, and in this case, it is wise to review the criteria in funding solicitations or speak with your program officers for advice on what types of activities are most highly valued or competitive for funding.

Which outreach and engagement activities are most rewarding?

Only you can answer this question for yourself, but before making any commitments, it is important to contemplate which types of outreach are most exciting to you and best serve your professional and personal goals. Are you keen to engage with the public in your local community, such as giving talks at K-12 schools, retirement communities, and town council meetings? Do you find it more appealing to interact with professionals in your field, such as volunteering for aligned scientific societies? Or would you prefer to work with individuals or groups outside your discipline, such as helping with campus organizations in other academic units or at other institutions? How about working with government agencies or collaborating with stakeholders in the private sector? The possibilities for outreach and engagement are limitless, so it’s worth taking the time to choose your activities thoughtfully and strategically.

Does outreach need to be within my field of expertise?

The short answer is, no! In fact, it is quite common for organizations, clubs, and societies to actively seek fresh outside perspectives on their main disciplinary interests. If you are wondering whether you are qualified to contribute something useful to a group that resides well beyond your usual academic wheelhouse, an affirmative answer is already in hand if you received an invitation to participate in their event. In turn, you are afforded the chance to make new connections with others who have some overlapping interests, which can be very rewarding, broaden your own perspectives on your chosen field, and lead to further unexpected opportunities. It’s a win-win! On the other hand, there may be instances where you are tempted to proactively pursue engagement opportunities that are intriguing but outside your comfort zone, and in these cases, it is wise to consider whether these activities are compatible with your skill set and a useful investment of your time.

When should I say “no” to exciting outreach opportunities?

Ideally, everyone would have ample time to freely pursue their interests in outreach and engagement opportunities without any disruption to their other job responsibilities. But the reality is that time and resources are limited. For junior faculty in particular, it is crucial to focus on scholarship activities that are essential for promotion and tenure (or other professional goals) while taking on an appropriate measure of outreach activities – and also being mindful of the overarching value of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It can be difficult to turn down exciting opportunities, but if you are at full capacity, it is okay to say no! Another reality is that your knowledge and expertise will naturally be a good fit for some outreach activities and not as well-suited for others, so it is probably advisable to decline participation in activities that feel too far afield from your qualifications.

How do I find opportunities for outreach and engagement?

An excellent place to start would be to reach out to your institution’s office of outreach and engagement. These offices are staffed by experts who can guide you toward the latest postings for opportunities and solicitations. Scientific societies are also worth contacting, as they are frequently looking for volunteers to help carry out their mission. Other resources include your supervisor or department head, who can clue you in to outreach that is directly relevant to your academic unit and provide advice on how to balance these activities with other responsibilities of your position, as well as your colleagues and peers who can help connect you with outreach and engagement experiences. In some cases, the opportunities will find you – check your email for general announcements and personal invitations to become involved in a wide range of activities and respond to those that intrigue you.

Outreach and engagement activities will enrich your academic experience and contribute to positive societal impacts. Possibilities are endless for getting involved in outreach and engagement, so make sure to think strategically about which activities are the best fit for your goals and interests.