Prof of Practice Jobs: Definition, Roles & Opportunities

🎓 What is a Prof of Practice?

A Professor of Practice, often abbreviated as Prof of Practice, refers to a specialized academic position in higher education designed to integrate real-world professional expertise into teaching and learning. The Prof of Practice meaning centers on practitioners from industry, business, or professions who join universities to share practical insights, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its application. Unlike research-focused academics, Prof of Practice roles prioritize hands-on experience to prepare students for careers.

This position emerged to address employer demands for graduates with applicable skills. For instance, in fields like engineering, law, and management, Profs of Practice use case studies from their careers to illustrate concepts, making education more relevant.

History and Evolution of Prof of Practice Positions

The Prof of Practice role traces back to the late 20th century, gaining prominence in the 1990s in the United States at institutions like Harvard and Carnegie Mellon. It responded to criticisms that academia was too detached from industry needs. By the 2000s, it spread to Europe, Australia, and Latin America, adapting to local systems.

In Argentina, while the exact term 'Profesor de Práctica' aligns more with practical instructors in medical or technical faculties, equivalent roles have evolved in private universities amid economic liberalization post-1990s. Public universities like the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) emphasize practical teaching through positions like Jefe de Trabajos Prácticos, evolving toward practice-oriented hires.

Roles and Responsibilities

Profs of Practice typically teach undergraduate and graduate courses, develop curricula infused with industry trends, supervise projects, and foster partnerships. They guest lecture, advise on internships, and contribute to program accreditation by ensuring practical alignment.

• Delivering interactive lectures with real case studies
• Mentoring students on career development
• Collaborating with faculty on applied research
• Building industry networks for university benefit

Prof of Practice in Argentina

Argentina's higher education landscape, dominated by public autonomous universities under the National University Law of 1958, features competitive hiring via concurso público—a public competition evaluating credentials and teaching demos. Private institutions like Universidad Torcuato Di Tella or Austral offer more flexible Prof of Practice-like roles, especially in business administration and technology.

With over 2 million students enrolled (2023 data), demand grows for practical educators amid economic challenges. Salaries adjust to inflation, making these positions attractive for seasoned professionals returning to education.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Required Academic Qualifications

A master's degree (Maestría) in the relevant field is standard; a PhD (Doctorado) enhances prospects but is not mandatory, distinguishing it from tenure-track roles.

Research Focus or Expertise Needed

Minimal research output required; expertise lies in applied knowledge, such as industry innovations or sector challenges, rather than peer-reviewed publications.

Preferred Experience

10+ years in senior industry roles, leadership positions, or consulting. Prior teaching, like workshops or adjunct positions, is highly valued. Grants or industry awards add strength.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and presentation abilities
• Networking and stakeholder engagement
• Curriculum innovation with practical focus
• Adaptability to diverse student backgrounds
• Proficiency in educational technology

To succeed, craft a standout academic CV emphasizing achievements.

How to Pursue Prof of Practice Jobs

Start by gaining adjunct experience or industry certifications. Network at conferences, update your profile on platforms listing university jobs, and prepare for concursos in Argentina by practicing teaching demos. Tailor applications to highlight impact metrics, like teams led or projects delivered. Explore lecturer career paths for transitions.

Monitor openings in faculty jobs and consider lecturer jobs as entry points.

Definitions

Concurso público: A transparent, merit-based competitive process in Argentine public universities for academic hires, involving CV review, interviews, and public defense.

Non-tenure track: Positions without guaranteed permanent employment, often renewable contracts based on performance.

Next Steps in Your Academic Career

Ready to explore Prof of Practice jobs? Browse higher ed jobs for current listings, get higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post your profile via recruitment services on AcademicJobs.com.