Being an academic : a process of becoming

Abstract

This paper presents an autobiographical narrative outlining some of the key milestones of the author’s academic journey as evident in his publications in the three inter-related strands that mark his scholarship, namely the links between education, work and employment, teacher education, and international and comparative education. The author draws on over thirty years of experience in research with a view to sharing hard-won insights with earlystage researchers and scholars embarking on an academic career. He notes that while steadfast work is the key ingredient of attaining international recognition in one’s field, luck, being in the right place at the right time, and the enabling influence of mentors are also important, as is the capacity of making the best of opportunities that arise. In his view, however, the litmus test of a successful career is the extent to which intellectual labour promotes the common good.