Professor Urges Students To Map Education To Meet Career Expectations

With about eight out of 10 people in the world belonging to a religion, according to a comprehensive demographic study by the Pew Forum, an understanding of how these religions interact with each other is crucial to become, as Charles Tieszen so aptly put, "a responsible global citizen." As an author, scholar, professor, and modern authority on Islamic studies, Charles Tieszen bridges that knowledge gap of how the two largest religions in the world -- Christianity and Islam -- have emerged and, more importantly, how they interact. As an adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, Tieszen continues to instruct and nurture young minds on the importance of "advancing good Christian and Muslim relations."

What does your job entail?

"I teach students about the religion of Islam and the history of interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim communities. Since the institution where I work is a theological seminary, part of my job is to help students reimagine a productive and ethical posture towards Islam and Muslims that reflects love of God and neighbor. I teach students about the religion of Islam and the history of interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim communities."

What parts of your job do you enjoy?

"I love seeing students encounter topics for the first time and begin to view things they thought they understood in completely new ways. More than giving students information, teachers help to shape responsible global citizens; being a part of the shaping process is an honor."

What was your education history?

"I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Christian theology and Islamic studies. My Ph.D. is in Islam and Christian-Muslim relations from the University of Birmingham, England."

Has your education helped you?

"Without a doubt my education has helped to prepare me to engage in serious research and publication in my field. It has also enabled me to guide others into the field of Islamic studies."

Any advice for someone seeking a similar career path?

"Becoming an academic is not the same kind of process that it was 10 years ago. There aren't very many jobs and the prospects for tenured work are bleak. Those interested in an academic career, especially one in the humanities, need to be aware of job prospects and plan their education accordingly."

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.