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The Ultimate Adjunct Side Hustle Guide.
Glen Patterson
February 21, 2025
Step 1. Meet the Basic Qualifications
Why It Matters:
Most colleges and universities have minimum education requirements for adjunct faculty. While some institutions require a Ph.D., many accept professionals with a master’s degree or extensive industry experience.
How to Do It:
✔ Master’s Degree (Preferred): Most colleges require at least a master’s degree in the subject you want to teach.
✔ Industry Experience: Some technical or business programs accept professionals with a bachelor’s degree and significant work experience (e.g., 10+ years in the field).
✔ Certifications & Credentials: Specialized certifications (e.g., CPA for accounting, PMP for project management) can strengthen your application.
Example:
A marketing professional with an MBA and 10 years of experience in digital marketing can qualify to teach undergraduate or graduate-level courses in marketing.
6 High Value Skills you need to become an adjunct lecturer.
Communication/Public speaking: The ability to exchange information and ideas effectively
Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing circumstances, such as new projects, clients, or technologies
Problem-solving: The ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems
Time management: The ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources, and meet objectives
Empathy. The ability to understand and relate to another person’s feelings, thoughts, or experiences
Listening. The ability to focus on and understand what someone is saying.
Active. Paying attention to what someone else is saying, showing that you’re listening, giving feedback, refraining from judgment, and responding respectfully.
Step 2. Gain Teaching or Training Experience
Why It Matters:
Colleges look for candidates who can effectively teach and engage students. If you’ve never formally taught before, gaining relevant experience will make you a stronger candidate.
How to Do It:
✔ Corporate Training: If you’ve conducted workplace training sessions, workshops, or mentorship programs, highlight those experiences.
✔ Guest Lecturing: Offer to give a guest lecture at a local college or university. This is a great way to build relationships with faculty.
✔ Teaching Online: Consider platforms like Udemy, Coursera, or LinkedIn Learning to create online courses and showcase your teaching ability.
Example:
A cybersecurity expert who has led corporate training sessions on ethical hacking can use that experience to apply for adjunct positions in IT or cybersecurity programs.
Step 3. Build an Academic-Style Resume & Cover Letter
Why It Matters:
An adjunct lecturer application is different from a corporate job application. Instead of a traditional resume, you’ll need a resume that also highlights your academic and teaching qualifications.
How to Do It:
✔ Create a CV or Resume): A CV focuses on education, publications, if any, presentations, certifications, and relevant teaching experience.
✔ Tailor Your Cover Letter: Explain why you want to teach, your industry expertise, and how you can bring real-world insights into the classroom.
✔ Include Syllabi or Course Ideas: Proposing a new course or sharing a sample syllabus can demonstrate initiative and preparedness.
Example:
A business consultant applying for an adjunct role in entrepreneurship could submit a CV that highlights industry experience, guest lectures, published articles, and proposed course topics.
Step 4. Network with Faculty & Department Heads
Why It Matters:
Most adjunct positions aren’t advertised online — they’re often filled through referrals and internal recommendations. Networking can help you get your foot in the door.
How to Do It:
✔ Connect with Current Adjuncts & Faculty: Reach out to professors, department heads, or former classmates who work in academia.
✔ Attend Academic Events: Join conferences, faculty panels, or networking events at local universities.
✔ Engage with LinkedIn Communities: Follow college departments, comment on faculty posts, and share insights on industry trends.
Example:
An HR professional interested in teaching connects with a business school professor on LinkedIn, expresses interest in an adjunct role, and later gets referred for an open position.
Step 5. Apply to Colleges & Universities Strategically
Why It Matters:
Not all adjunct positions are posted on major job boards. Many schools recruit directly from their professional networks or through department heads.
How to Do It:
✔ Target Local Colleges & Community Colleges: These institutions frequently hire adjunct faculty for specialized courses.
✔ Check College Websites: Look for “Adjunct Faculty” listings on university career pages.
✔ Email Department Chairs Directly: If a school doesn’t list adjunct positions online, send your CV and cover letter to department chairs.
Action: Get Started Today
Step 1: Identify Your Teaching Niche
What subject can you teach based on your education and experience?
Look for adjunct job postings at local universities and online.
Step 2: Build Your Teaching Experience
Offer to guest lecture or create an online course.
Highlight training experience in your industry.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application Materials
Create a CV or resume with education, certifications, and relevant experience.
Write a tailored cover letter emphasizing real-world expertise.
Imagine stepping into a classroom, sharing your expertise, helping the next generation of professionals grow while getting pay to do so.
Start today, and turn your knowledge into impact and cash.
Dream of teaching but don’t know where to start? My FREE live session on becoming an adjunct lecturer will show you how. DM me “Adjunct” for the waitlist link.
Find your North Star.
Stay positive. Stay focused. Keep learning. Stay connected.
Wishing you continued success!
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