It's no secret: Graduate assistantship positions are competitive to secure.
That's because in order to successfully land a graduate assistantship, you have to demonstrate academic excellence in your program while competing among many other qualified and dynamic applicants.
So, how can you set yourself apart and give yourself a competitive edge? We're here to outline a list of recommended tips that might help you to do just that.
1. Cover Your Bases:
Before starting the application process, start by checking your institution’s website for available graduate assistantship positions and figure out if you meet the requirements for application.
2. Focus On Your Studies:
The higher your GPA, the more attractive you’ll be to a hiring department. Also, students in other fields of study should establish strong relationships with professors in the department in which they’d like to be employed.
3. Collaborate with Other Graduate Assistants:
Chat with other graduate assistants and ask them for their insight. Ask for advice, add them to your professional network, and who knows, they may be able to refer you to a department that you’re interested in!
4. Know the Requirements:
Before applying to a GA position, make a list of necessary application requirements, which might include course load, GPA, available working hours, immigration authorization (if applicable), letters of recommendation, etc.
5. Customize Your Application(s):
If you’re applying to more than one GA position (and even if you’re not), make sure your GA application and resume contain up-to-date information and position-appropriate information.
6. SPELL CHECK:
Do yourself a favor. Don’t turn in an application without conducting a thorough editing process. If your application contains errors of any kind, the likelihood of you landing the GA position is, well, unlikely.
7. Provide References:
Don’t list your friends or family as references. Have 3-4 references ready to list on your application: These can be previous employers, current or past professors, or an Admissions professional with whom you have a good relationship.
8. Prepare for an Interview:
If you are invited for an interview, this is a good sign. Make sure to dress the part, BE ON TIME, and conduct yourself in a way that is professional, friendly, socially aware, and intelligent.
9. Understand the Expectations:
Speaking of the interview, once you’re in the door, make sure to inquire about the expectations for the position and the working hours. Be sure you can meet those hours and expectations! If you can’t, don’t waste the interviewee’s time.
10. Decide Accordingly:
What if you’re offered several graduate assistantship positions at the same time? First of all, that’s great because now you have choices! But be sure to decide in an appropriate amount of time and inform the campus departments in a timely manner. (Note: It doesn’t look good to accept an offer from one unit and then decline it because another unit gives you a better offer. Choose wisely!)
11. Follow Up Respectfully:
After completing your graduate assistantship application, follow up and be sure to let the department know that you’re interested, invested, and excited about the position!
Understand the Value of a Graduate Assistantship Position
Here at West Virginia University, we know that a graduate assistantship is truly a rewarding experience.
Serving as support to some of the best in your field, getting a glimpse of what it is like to be a working professional, and building a network with those who are thought leaders in your area of study are just a few reasons a graduate assistantship is a strategic and excellent way to augment your graduate education.
For information on WVU's graduate assistantships, please visit the WVU Office of Student Employment.
For a comprehensive look at what WVU thinks is important for you to know about graduate assistantships, check out our digital resource page — You Guide to Understanding Graduate Assistantships in Graduate School!
