graduate assistant/work study too much?

[anonymous3]

I was offered a graduate assistant/work study position doing various things (research assistant in a lab, administrative work, maybe teach a class or lab, etc.) but wont know what exactly that entails until I begin school. The position requires me to work in the department 20 hours a week and while I think this is a great opportunity, I'm also a bit nervous that it will be overwhelming. Does anyone have experience with something like this or know whether this is something that is doable as a graduate student? I'd appreciate any input! Thanks!

[argslp]

I have an interview for an assistantship with the same requirements and I'm in the same boat.

 

I send you a message!

 

Can you send it to me as well?

[waiting n waiting]

I have an offer to work 10 hrs a week as a GA. Let me know too if this is too much to add to a masters program??

[Papaya91]

I'm just gonna throw in my two cents, although I haven't been offered anything like that (yet). The grad programs know that your primary job is to be a student, and they want you to do well. They're not going to give you too much to handle. However, if in the end you think your academic performance is suffering because of the job, you can always ask them to give it to someone else the next quarter or semester.

I personally think it would be absolutely crazy to refuse one of those offers, depending on the compensation. They typically knock out part of your tuition, and give you a stipend as well. That'll bring your cost of attendance down sooooo much, and you'll graduate with less debt. Or no debt. It could be free in the end!

 

It might be overwhelming at first, but your first job after grad school will be, too. You may not have to study for tests anymore, but you'll have a full client load and have to prep for and document each session. My opinion is that you should take it, but only you know what you can handle.