Now that I’ve plugged my program, I’d like to answer the other most common question I get from friends who are considering going to graduate school: How on earth did I get an assistantship, and what the heck is one exactly?

An Assistantship is a real job, requiring a commitment of 20 hours per week. Unlike grants or scholarships, it is not “free money.” You do have to work!  You also have to be enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking graduate student in order to qualify. Of course, this means that you will have to be very committed to balancing your time between your studies and your job!

Getting an assistantship requires filling out an application, which can be found here.  You may submit it either along with your application to the Graduate School or after you’ve been accepted. Attach a résumé to your form, and then send it in to us here at the Graduate School Office. Be sure to make your résumé extensive and accurate! Departments hiring graduate assistants peruse the applications to see whose prior experience matches the position for which they’re hiring. If you happen to match an open position, you too could live the luxurious life of a G.A.

I hope that answers all of your questions about assistantships. If not, don’t hesitate to contact us on Twitter, Facebook, or by e-mail. Now, if only I could find where my computer mouse got packed…

Related posts
Monday Motivation: Paying for grad school
Monday Motivation: Finding Balance in Grad School
Guest Blogger: How I Survived My First Year as a Graduate Student

Beginning in Fall 2009, College of Charleston’s Residence Life Office will begin offering Residence Hall Director Positions as assistantships.  While these positions require living on campus and managing an undergraduate dorm, they include an on campus apartment.  These positions will come with abatements for out-of-state students provided that funds are available.  Residence Life will begin advertising these positions and application information in the Spring 2009 semester on the Graduate School Website and the Career Center’s CisternOnline job search.

This is the first time graduate students have an option to live on campus at College of Charleston.  We are excited for this development.  If you have any questions about this wonderful opportunity, give us a call (843.953.5614) or send us an email.