GRADUATION TALK ▼

FELLOWSHIPS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT FOR ANYONE SEEKING A CAREER IN ACADEMIA

AN INTERVIEW WITH BEN RAYDER

▐  Ben Rayder tells us why he decided to write his doctoral thesis in Germany and how fellowships help to start a career in academia.

   What drew you to your current field and what interests you most about it?

   B.R. I was drawn to my current field by the increasing relevance of challenger parties in Europe, and my interest in this subject more generally. In the American, two-party system, challenger candidates are rarely considered. However, in Europe, these actors are present in many countries, especially far right and far left parties. Hence, I was motivated to learn more about their behavior at a time when they are becoming particularly salient for political competition.

   What was your motivation for coming to Germany in general and writing your thesis at the Graduate School in particular?

   B.R. I was motivated to come to Germany, because my research focuses on two German parties and I had previously studied in the country. Writing my thesis at BAGSS offered a unique opportunity to work full-time on my research and access to a number of resources that I would not have been afforded elsewhere.

   You currently work as the Assistant Director of Fellowships at Drexel University, how important are fellowships to academia?

   B.R. Fellowships are extremely important for anyone seeking a career in academia. They represent another form of academic and professional development. As such, fellowships enable emerging scholars to pursue research, study, travel and many other opportunities that can be instrumental to their academic careers.

   What are your plans for your professional future?

   B.R. In the future, I would like to continue working in administration at an institute for higher education in the United States, preferably in fellowships or a related field such as undergraduate research. ◼

Image Credits: © Bamberg Graduate School of Social Sciences