Going back to academia after 20 years

[Binjob118]

I'm wondering if it is possible to re-enter a university role after 20 years working in the city. My background is a PhD in engineering, but I pursued a career in stockbroking after this. I am now completely fed up with the city culture and would love to perhaps become a lecturer in finance/statistics. I just can't figure out how to do this. Do I need to do a masters perhaps? Will my financial expertise be of value to a department in finance/economics?

You could try to get work as a guest lecturer to dip your toes back in?

This is not my field at all so honestly, I’m not sure but I’d like to think it’s a possibility? Certainly I’m aware of people in other disciplines who have done similar. It would depend on the institution a lot too, I think. Have you looked at job descriptions for the types of roles you’re interested in? Do you have a field of expertise where you could offer guest lectures?

I think it would be probably be easier to get a post in an FE college rather than a university. Why don’t you at least start by looking at job adverts then you can see what is available and what employers requirements are? With the growth in apprenticeships there must be a demand for lecturers. You might want to consider a teaching qualification rather than a Masters.

Hi OP, I work as a lecturer in financial maths and statistics. I teach only and am not research active. I previously worked in finance in the city for nearly a decade. I don't have a PhD (obviously most of my colleagues do) but I do have a masters (in Engineering, like you) and I am valued for my experience. It might be good timing for you, as data science is becoming a popular degree subject and some universities are looking for staff to teach it. I got my job simply by finding a vacancy at my local university and applying for it - I didn't have to do any re-training. I did a teaching qualification after starting the job (alongside working as a lecturer).

Obviously you should be prepared for a massive pay cut! But otherwise it's great - I love my job.

Thanks for all your replies. I will definitely start looking at specific roles.