Could teaching at community college for a few years harm my career?

Question

If one aspired to a traditional, research-based academic career in a major university, would teaching for a few years at a community college (say, after the Master's) be damaging to one's CV? I'm worried that it would create a record of affiliation with a low-ranked university that would make people see you as "from" that university, and thus be biased against hiring you. Is there any truth to this?

Answer 1

It really depends on the circumstances. Typically a community college professorship can be limiting for professional ascent in the world of academia. The groupthink is that you were always looking for a 4-year college/university appointment but settled for the community college option. You may want to teach at the community college level while also holding down a course or two at a four year school to keep your foot in the door until an appropriate opening occurs at the said institution.