Renata Herrerias

Current Employer/Organisation Name

ITAM

Can you give us an overview of what you have done since you completed your research degree?

I became a full time tenure track Professor of Finance at a Mexican university.

How did you become interested in the area you work in?

I always wanted to work full time in academia. Before studying the PhD I was working in a bank and I did some part time teaching. I love teaching, that is why I choose to study the PhD, to be able to work full time in a university.

How did you find opportunities in the area you work in and how did the recruitment process work?

I directly contacted my employer. But normally there is an organized job market to recruit finance and economics researchers.

What does your current role involve?

Research, meaning I have to produce original papers to get published. I have a teaching load of 200 hours per year.

What skills are involved in your work and how did your research degree help develop them?

I need to produce original ideas. The PhD was exactly what I need to obtain the skills and to learn how to create an original research paper. To graduate you have to produce 3 original paper with potential to be published.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

The freedom to research and teach the topics that interest me the most. The time to “think” and the idea that I get paid just to think and share knowledge with my students.

What are the challenges in your role?

Publishing requires a lot of patience and dedication, and learning to cope with rejection and frustration. It’s an activity where you can never give up, otherwise you will never publish. If you don’t publish you will be made redundant and you’re no use for your institution.

What has surprised you about your role?

How competitive it is and how difficult it is to prove that your research is relevant and original.

Did you engage in any additional activities or roles (i.e. organising conferences, entering PGR showcase, being a PGR Rep etc.) during your research degree, and how did these help prepare you for a career beyond academia?

I organize an annual conference in my university. I also serve as board member in a Pension Fund Manager.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Abstracting and processing complex ideas, and the ability to communicate complex concepts in plain terms.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Enjoy the freedom that comes from working as an academic, and do not succumb to the negativity that comes from rejections. Work hard and keep always learning to never become obsolete.

What are your plans for the future?

I’ll stay in academia until retirement, but I want to join more boards which is a great activity for a retired person.