A polytechnic lecturer is a person hired a technical school to teach students about a variety of subjects. Applied sciences and industrial arts are the most common topics. While polytechnic secondary schools exist, most polytechnic lecturers work for a higher education institution such as a college or university. Some professionals in this field, in addition to lecturing, conduct and publish research reports on a variety of topics.
While polytechnic colleges and universities exist in the United States, most people who teach at the university level in the United States are referred to as lecturers or professors or teachers instead. However, in countries like Singapore, Ghana, and Kenya, the term polytechnic lecturer refers to university-level teaching positions. A polytechnic lecturer can work as a part-time or full-time faculty member, and some may work at multiple institutions at the same time.
A teacher must first obtain a graduate level degree in the subject in which she or he intends to instruct students before becoming a lecturer. A post-graduate degree is frequently required, depending on the institution. As a new graduate, a polytechnic lecturer may find work, but competition for such positions is often fierce, with more experienced lecturers in higher demand.
It is not uncommon for an experienced polytechnic lecturer to be hired from another country to teach at a specific school. While salaries vary, in exchange for becoming a lecturer, a lecturer imported from another country is frequently offered a lucrative salary or a very attractive benefits package. A large number of vacation days, housing, and performance bonuses are common examples of such benefits.
A polytechnic lecturer may also lead student groups in completing special projects outside of the classroom, in addition to teaching. Many lecturers are also responsible for supervising students while conducting important academic research, and some are even given administrative responsibilities. Many full-time lecturers work long hours due to a heavy workload, and it is not uncommon for them to forego vacation days in order to complete difficult research projects. Individuals applying for polytechnic lecturer positions should have a passion for teaching within a specific discipline, conducting research, and leading students to successful outcomes.