How to Build the Academic Career You Want
Plan your academic career like the people who get the positions.
In January, I'll show you how academia actually works, and you'll build your own strategy to get to the position you want.
Enrollment for the January Challenge is closed. profbenstoem.substack.com
30 minutes a working day · Hosted by Prof. Benstoem
Academic careers are 90% strategic planning.
This is for you if:
Whether you're doing your PhD, working as a postdoc or on your way to a professorship: if you want to plan your next step instead of hoping for it, this is for you.
Meet your Prof.
I've figured out how academia works. And I've done it fast.
I started out as a midwife and was the first in my family to go to university. I would have finished my master's a year early if my supervisor had let me. I completed my PhD in the shortest time possible, and had two babies along the way.
Then I completed a tenure track designed for six years in one year. Today I run one of Germany's largest research projects, across all university hospitals in the country.
When a funding call comes out, I know what the reviewers are looking for before I write a single line. Every one of my doctoral candidates has submitted on time. Not because I work around the clock, but because I know the rules and I plan backwards.
In January, I'll show you exactly how I do it.
- Appointment committee member
- Two kids, PhD in record time
Here's how it works.
One short lesson a day
Monday to Friday. Weekends off, because rest is part of the plan.
- One lesson every working day in January
- One video, one task, one decision
- Your workbook and tracker
- The rules nobody tells you
Live Q&As with me
Bring your real career questions.
- Three live calls in January
- Watch from your phone
- Replays right after
Your people
You don't figure this out alone.
- Private group chat
- Friday check-in
- Celebrate your wins
The challenge, week by week
Four weeks. One Academic Career Strategy.
Know where you want to go.
You stop making decisions without knowing where they lead.
Choose your strategy.
You stop saying "I helped" and know exactly what you stand for.
Build what it takes.
You stop saying yes to everything, because you finally know what counts.
Know exactly what to do next.
You stop waiting for the right moment and take your first concrete step.
By the end of January, you'll have:
Your Academic Career Strategy
Your direction, your positioning, your three priorities and your plan, in one document.
The “How to Plan Your Career” Workbook
Every lesson in writing.
The Academic Career Tracker
My Excel tracker, plus my own example from my tenure year.
Your career won't be built in January. But your strategy will be.
Now it's your turn.
- One lesson every working day in January
- The “How to Plan Your Career” Workbook
- The Academic Career Tracker
- Three live Q&As with me
- A private group
- Access until 5 March 2027
Also included: Claude prompts and your Strategy Assistant (optional) · a letter template for your institution · 30% as an affiliate
Join the January ChallengeEnrollment closes Sunday, 22 November, 23:59 CET.
Enrollment for the January Challenge is closed. profbenstoem.substack.com
All sales are final. Terms
- Start right awayIntro videos and group chat open today.
- Plan Your JanuaryLive call on 16 December, 19:00 CET.
- 3 months of my paid SubstackFree.
A first look at the January Challenge.
Before the challenge began, I invited a small number of academics to review the lessons and the Academic Career Strategy. This is their feedback.
What academics have said about my other work
Thank you very much for these very illuminating four weeks. Now I surely know how it all works in Academia. Thanks a lot.
I hesitated buying an online course but it was definitely worth every ‘penny’.
Questions you might have.
What if I can't make the live calls?
No problem. The three Q&As are recorded, and the replay is posted right after. You can post your question beforehand.
How much time do I need?
Give me 30 minutes of your time each working day in January. We take weekends off.
How long do I have access?
Until 5 March 2027. If you'd like more time, you can extend your access until 5 September 2027 for a one-time $147. The workbook and the strategy you create are yours to keep.
Do I need Claude?
No. You can complete the challenge with the workbook, without AI. Selected exercises include Claude prompts if you want help structuring your thinking.
Can my institution pay?
You can request support from your institution's training budget. I'll provide a letter template you can submit. Your institution makes the reimbursement decision.
Can I get a refund?
No. This is a digital program, and all sales are final. Your access starts right after purchase, and at checkout you agree that it begins immediately, which ends your right of withdrawal. Details are on my Legal page.
January is when we make the plan.
The rest of the year is when you use it.
Join the January ChallengeEnrollment closes Sunday, 22 November, 23:59 CET.
Enrollment for the January Challenge is closed. profbenstoem.substack.com
Prof. Benstoem