Once you make your decision to become a faculty member, you should start preparing for the role as soon as possible. If you are still in training, your preparation should include engagement in a scholarly project leading to publication, acting as a teachingTeaching assistant if opportunities are available, and obtaining a faculty mentor to advise you. If you started your career outside academia (e.g., research institute, biotechnology company, private clinical practice), you should carefully investigate the differences between life in your current position and that of a faculty member. It may help to start by serving as a non-salaried adjunct or voluntary faculty member. When you join the faculty, be sure to negotiate a position and an academic track that are the right fit for you and that will provide you with the greatest degree of flexibility and opportunity to grow. Be mindful of the fact that you may not start with the seniority you had outside academia and that you may have to advance through the ranks.