Have you ever wondered if teaching as an adjunct professor could be a fit for you? Many people assume they don’t qualify, or they talk themselves out of even applying because they think they lack the “right” credentials, connections, or confidence.

The truth: adjunct teaching is more accessible than you think. Most colleges and universities need qualified instructors every semester, and if you have the right background, you may already be more prepared than you realize.

Take this quick self-assessment. In just a few minutes, you’ll discover whether adjunct teaching could be a good fit for your skills, lifestyle, and goals. Chances are, you already have what it takes.

Adjunct Self-Assessment Quiz

For each question, answer Yes or No. Keep track of your answers.

1. Do you have a graduate degree (master’s or doctorate)?
Most adjunct roles require at least a master’s degree, but many schools also value professional or industry experience.
□ Yes □ No

2. Do you have specialized knowledge in a field that others could learn from?
□ Yes □ No

3. Do you enjoy making a meaningful contribution to students’ lives?
Adjuncts often say their favorite part of the job is seeing students grow and succeed.
□ Yes □ No

4. Are you open to teaching in-person, online, or hybrid classes?
□ Yes □ No

5. Could you dedicate a set number of hours each week to preparing, teaching, and grading?
Even one or two classes a semester can provide extra income and meaningful work without consuming your whole schedule.
□ Yes □ No

6. Do you want flexible, part-time work that fits with your life?
□ Yes □ No

7. Have you ever trained, mentored, or presented to others?
If so, you already have transferable teaching skills.
□ Yes □ No

8. Would supplemental income and résumé-building appeal to you?
□ Yes □ No

9. Do you see adjuncting as a stepping stone while pursuing other goals?
□ Yes □ No

10. Do you enjoy learning, adapting, and growing professionally?
Adjunct teaching keeps you engaged in your field while challenging you in new ways.
□ Yes □ No

How to Score Yourself

🟢 Yes to 6+: You’re already a strong candidate for adjunct teaching.

🟡 Yes to 3–5: You may be more qualified than you realize, and adjuncting could fit depending on your situation.

🔴 Yes to fewer than 3: Adjuncting may not align with your current goals, but it’s worth revisiting in the future if your circumstances change.

Why This Matters

So many people never apply for adjunct jobs because they assume:

• “I don’t have a PhD.”
• “I don’t know anyone in the department.”
• “I’ve never formally taught before.”

But here’s the reality: colleges need instructors who can teach, mentor, and share knowledge with students. If you have a graduate degree, practical expertise, and the willingness to guide others, you can adjunct teach.

Adjunct teaching is not about being the perfect academic, it’s about using your strengths to make an impact while enjoying flexibility, intellectual engagement, and a paycheck.

Next Steps: From Interest to Adjunct Job Offer

If you’re interested in adjunct teaching but aren’t sure what to do next, check out my Get Hired in 30 Days course. It’s a step-by-step program I put together using the actual techniques, teaching templates, and interview tips I’ve used to land every adjunct job I’ve applied for in my 14 years of teaching.

👉 Join the waitlist here and get a free Adjunct Job Tracker to start organizing your applications right away. You’ll learn how to find open positions, prepare your materials, and get hired, even if you don’t have prior teaching experience and without starting from scratch.

✨ Takeaway

If you answered yes to most of these questions, you already have what it takes to succeed as an adjunct, and I’d love to show you how to land your first class. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me at christina@heyadjunct.com or join my newsletter where I share teaching tips and the realities of life as an adjunct (the good and the bad).