Facing competition from overseas doctoral degree holders, how can local Ph.D. graduates overcome disadvantages and avoid becoming "wandering scholars"?

The Center for Strategy and Human Capital Research at our university held a "Career Workshop for Local Ph.D. Graduates and New Scholars" on May 17th. Three outstanding professors who obtained their doctoral degrees in Taiwan, are currently teaching at top universities, and have received the highest honor of the Taiwan National Science Council for new scholars, the "Wu Ta-You Memorial Award", were invited to share their experiences: Professor Chen Min-Nan from the Institute of Human Resource Management at National Sun Yat-sen University, Professor Hsu Shu-Wei from the Department of Business Administration at National Chengchi University, and Professor Chang Man-Ling from the Department of Business Administration at National Chung Hsing University. They provided detailed insights into their doctoral studies, enhancing research capabilities and networking, job-seeking processes, how to secure teaching positions at top universities, as well as their teaching and service experiences.

The moderator of the workshop, Professor Chi Nai-Wen from the Institute of Human Resource Management at National Sun Yat-sen University, briefly analyzed the current employment market situation and advantages and disadvantages faced by local Ph.D. graduates. Then, the first session's speaker, Professor Chen Min-Nan, who was awarded the Wu Ta-You Memorial Award in the 111th year by the Taiwan National Science Council, provided advice on coping with the pressures of "service-teaching-research" faced by young scholars. He shared insights on how to effectively manage time, cope with stress, and prepare courses.

The second session featured Professor Hsu Shu-Wei, who was awarded the Wu Ta-You Memorial Award by the Taiwan National Science Council in the 109th year. He spoke on the intriguing topic of "Yes and No, No and Yes: Between Students and Scholars." Professor Hsu Shu-Wei pointed out that doctoral programs in Taiwan do not adequately teach us how to be good teachers, but if one aims to pursue an academic career as a scholar, they must start by learning how to teach.

Professor Hsu Shu-Wei further shared various realistic aspects of an academic career, allowing participants to prepare themselves mentally. He also shared many case teaching techniques and insights into time management, injecting humor and wit into the discussion, eliciting laughter throughout the session.

The final session was led by Professor Zhang Man-Ling, who received the Wu Ta-You Memorial Award from the Taiwan National Science Council in the 106th year. She shared insights on "The Survival Guide to an Academic Career." Professor Zhang Man-Ling used playing video games as a metaphor, illustrating that academic research is a continuous process of honing skills and overcoming challenges. As long as one can maintain their passion for academia, good results are bound to follow. Professor Zhang Man-Ling also shared how she maintains her research momentum under the pressures of administrative duties and how to find research topics in everyday life to stay engaged and passionate.

The workshop attracted more than 40 doctoral students and new faculty members from both inside and outside the university. Attendees actively engaged in discussions and raised numerous questions regarding research, teaching, and service, creating a vibrant atmosphere. In closing, the moderator, Professor Chi Nai-Wen, extended his best wishes to all the doctoral students and new scholars present, hoping that they could glean valuable experiences and insights from the workshop to support their academic careers for the long term.

（Submission from the Strategy and Human Capital Research Center / Edited by the College of Management Media Team）