Graduate Assistant
What Is a Graduate Assistant and How to Become One
By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team
Table of Contents
What Is the Job of a Graduate Assistant?
The job of a graduate assistant is to perform research, teach, or work at a university as part of their academic education. Graduate assistants are typically doctoral candidates, but some master’s students may also qualify to work in this position. Your duties in this career differ depending on your role and the level of class at which you assist. For example, many large lecture classes need graders, readers, and teaching assistants, all with separate responsibilities. On the other hand, if you work in labs or departmental offices, you may work as a full-time researcher.
What Are the Qualifications to Become a Graduate Assistant?
The formal qualifications to become a graduate assistant are being a current graduate student and having some background knowledge in specific courses or subject you are studying. Some additional requirements may be necessary for certain jobs, such as psychology or counseling positions. Many graduate students in Ph.D. programs are expected to work as graduate assistants in exchange for tuition waivers and stipends. In addition to these requirements, you need to demonstrate excellent technical application of any skills necessary for the subject you teach. Previous experience teaching can also be helpful.
Graduate Assistant Job Description Sample
With this Graduate Assistant job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Graduate Assistant role.
Job Summary
Our department is looking for a Graduate Assistant to support faculty and perform teaching, research, and administrative tasks. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline and be currently enrolled as a graduate student at the university. Your job duties will include leading study groups, assisting with lessons in the classroom, and grading student work. Graduate Assistants are expected to perform their own graduate-level research and maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA. You may also assist a department faculty member with their research or perform administrative tasks as requested.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist with classroom teaching
- Grade undergraduate work
- Administer exams
- Lead study groups
- Assist the department with administrative tasks
- Perform your own graduate-level research
- Assist faculty with their research as requested
Requirements and Qualifications
- Currently enrolled as a graduate or post-grad student at the university
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Teaching and research skills
- Flexible schedule
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