Boston College
Department of Political Science
Placement Timeline and Checklist
2012
Pre-A.B.D.
First  Year:
• Discuss, in consultation with the faculty, the selection of courses that will encourage both depth of study and breadth of preparedness, the latter with a view to the job market especially.
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If you have not already done so, attend a conference to observe how to present a paper and participate on a panel.
Second Year:
• Considering submitting a paper to a conference, especially if one of the papers you wrote in the first year was particularly strong.
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Prepare your second year review. This is an opportunity to outline your initial thoughts about your dissertation project.
Third Year:
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Immediately following your exams, begin preparing your dissertation proposal. Consult with the faculty frequently.
Fourth Year:
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Submit your dissertation proposal within six months of taking your exams.
• Identify fellowships that you may be qualified to apply for the following year.
Preparing to Enter the Job Market
May:
• Complete at least one chapter of your dissertation by May of the year you plan to go on the market.
• Request letters of recommendation from your committee and from professors in the subfields in which you are prepared to teach. Start a placement file with Carol in the department of political science.
• Submit short biography and statement of research interests as well as your C.V. to the director of placement, who will update the website accordingly.
August:
• Revise your chapter for submission as a writing sample in consultation with your advisor.
• Prepare, in consultation with your advisor, the following: o Statement of Research o Statement of Teaching Philosophy o Several course syllabi in the subfields you are prepared to teach

o Curriculum Vitae
• Start checking job and fellowship listings.
• Meet with professors outside your committee to let them know what kinds of positions you are seeking and the range of positions you might be qualified for.
On the Job Market
• Identify fellowships and jobs.
• Consult with your advisor and the placement director about the best strategy for your job search.
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Inform your committee of the jobs you plan to apply for.
• Seek feedback on your application from your committee, especially from your advisor and the placement director.
• Submit application materials to the placement director for review in advance of submitting the job application.
Interviews
• If you receive an interview that includes a job talk, discuss the topic of your job talk with your advisor and the placement director.
• Feel free to contact the placement director to schedule a practice job talk session.