Is a GAship worthwhile if I don't need the money?

[DaysofEOre]

If you didn’t have to be a Graduate Assistant (GA) for the money, but you still could be one, would you?

I’m financially set for Year 1 of my Master’s program with a good scholarship, but wondering if I should go after a GAship too (and I am allowed to at least apply, according to the school).

Is it good experience to have or would I be better off focussing on my classes (mostly coursework in Year 1 of my 2-year program)? Would you only apply to GA positions you were really interested in? (I don’t know how it works elsewhere, but we apply to particular positions posted on a job board.) I'm a successful student and am considering doing a Ph.D. after this so I'm worried about if it will just be a drain on my time… Any insights for me?

Edited July 14, 2015 by DaysofEOre

[Academicat]

The experience is valuable, and coursework is only a small portion of the value of graduate school. You have little work experience, so do take advantage of the GA position. Additionally, get involved in other activities as they arise: symposiums, conferences, leadership opportunities. Look at it this way: everyone with a master's degree has gone through course work. What will distinguish you as a PhD candidate and on the job market is all the other stuff you did (and how you did it).

Edited July 14, 2015 by Academicat

[DaysofEOre]

Ok thanks, Academicat! I am definitely planning to get involved in things beyond coursework; it just seemed to me from my school’s website that GAships were mainly about providing funding to students, so I wasn’t sure what the deal was.

[TakeruK]

If the GAship is something like research or academic related, then I would say to go for it! But I know sometimes Masters students have less ideal GAships that are administrative work (e.g. filing at the Registrar's office or giving campus tours). In these cases, if you don't need the money, then spend this time working on you instead! 

 

I guess if it's something in between (e.g. tutor at the Writing Center, staff writer for the Media Relations office etc.) then it might be still helpful or it might be a waste of time (if you don't need the income). Since it sounds like you won't be doing a GAship to support yourself, you can be choosy and apply to positions that will help you in some way (or meet some interest of yours).

[DaysofEOre]

If the GAship is something like research or academic related, then I would say to go for it! But I know sometimes Masters students have less ideal GAships that are administrative work (e.g. filing at the Registrar's office or giving campus tours).

 

Yes, some of the GAships are definitely along those lines, hence my confusion.   Thanks for the feedback - I think I'm going to go ahead and apply selectively.