I mentioned in my initial post that I'm pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies. Hopefully, that will soon change to a PhD in New Testament, as I'm on track to graduate this December and am looking to enroll in a PhD program next Fall (2014). I have wanted to do this for a long time, so when I lost my job in 2009, I dove in head first and enrolled in my current program, not really knowing what getting a PhD (and afterwards a teaching position) entailed. I've learned a lot the last couple of years, mostly through experience, and some lessons less fun than others. But along the way, I've been blessed with some great resources from others who have trodden this path before me.
Other than talking with my professors, by far the best resource I've found on getting a PhD/starting a career in Biblical Studies has been Nijay Gupta. I've never met him or spoken to him, but about two years ago, just as my wife and I were moving to KY, I came across his website, which has tons of valuable information about getting into a PhD program, successfully navigating and completing the program and dissertation, and getting hired afterwards. Not long after I stumbled onto his blog, I ordered his book, Prepare Succeed Advance, on the same topic, which has much more information than his website.
Since I regularly refer back to his book, I thought I would offer a plug on this blog. He covers everything from the preparation required before applying for a PhD program to getting articles published to expanding your CV to preparing for job interviews. His blog is also regularly updated with interesting news in the field of Biblical Studies. Most recently, he has a helpful post on "10 Lessons Learned About Publishing as an Editor," reflecting on the last couple of years as co-founder and co-editor of the Journal for the Study of Paul and His Letters. I'm working on a couple of articles currently for publication, so I found this helpful as usual.
Anyway, if you're interested in pursuing a PhD in Biblical Studies, definitely check out his book and website. Along with Ben Witherington's Is There a Doctor in the House?, it is packed full of useful advice and information about breaking into the field.
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