RA position question

[tanm55]

So after assuming rejection/waitlist for the PhD programs I applied to, I'm weighing my options from here on out. I have some masters programs that I could attend (not sure about funding though--probably no funding there) or I'm wondering if I should take a paid RA position for a year and reapply to PhD programs next year, forgoing the masters program/degree. Any suggestions as to if this would be A. Be a smart move and B. Where I could look to find RA positions? 

Thanks & much appreciated! 

[nervous_nellie]

I was in a similar position when I first graduate from college (almost 3 years ago). I was debating between accepting a job offer as an RA or going to get my master's in general psychology. I was told by multiple people that obtaining the master's wasn't worth the debt that you leave with. It was more beneficial to work for 2ish years and then apply for doctoral programs.

I ended up taking the position and working as an RA for the past 2 1/2 years and just finished applying/interview for clinical phd programs. I was more successful and a strong applicant than I would have been with a just my bachelor's degree. I was able to work and get real-world experience for the future.

[eeepsych13]

I second the RA position. However, I would consider working for at least 2 years before applying again. The reason for this is you will have more time before applications to actually make a name for yourself in the lab/ get publications & presentations on your resume before applying. If you work a year, you would be reapplying in fall of this year which would not give you much time to gain experience. 

Obviously, the decision is entirely up to you. I am coming from my own experience of applying one year out of undergraduate and I have worked full-time since May (though volunteered in the same lab for a year before). I really REALLY wish I had taken another year. I realized during this process that I didn't have a super clear idea of what I wanted to research and I'm still waiting on pubs/presentations. I spent much of my time focusing and worrying about applications that I didn't delve into my own research and now I feel behind others that took multiple years to really focus on their work. 

Take time, save money, learn about yourself, get happy with your life outside of academia, grow as a person, and then apply again.

Edited March 17, 2017 by eeepsych13

[juhidee119]

I would suggest going for the RA position. You can try looking at hospitals/universities websites near you for positions. I went for the MA path and I regret it, I'll be paying for it forever. I don't believe it helped my application at all. Publications, presentations and research experience made the difference for me.

good luck! 

[tanm55]

@nervous_nellie @juhidee119 @eeepsych13

Thanks for the input! I'm very interested in working with a specific lab at one of the masters programs and the professor who heads this lab reached out to me saying she would be interested in having me in her lab. So-I'd be getting research experience with this masters program, but do you think I'd get compensated some how if I was an RA in this masters program? Would I be given a stipend..? I'd imagine I'd get some sort of compensation right? Maybe not tuition, but an assistantship of some sort?

thanks again...this is all overwhelming hahaha

[eeepsych13]

2 minutes ago, tanm55 said:

@nervous_nellie @juhidee119 @eeepsych13

Thanks for the input! I'm very interested in working with a specific lab at one of the masters programs and the professor who heads this lab reached out to me saying she would be interested in having me in her lab. So-I'd be getting research experience with this masters program, but do you think I'd get compensated some how if I was an RA in this masters program? Would I be given a stipend..? I'd imagine I'd get some sort of compensation right? Maybe not tuition, but an assistantship of some sort?

thanks again...this is all overwhelming hahaha

That sounds like an awesome experience if you decide to go that route, since you would be getting research experience and working closely with the professor. Since it's very specific to that lab, I would ask the professor a few questions...

• Funding: would it be an RAship, or a voluntary position on top of coursework? I know my sister is attending an MPH program and her TAship covers stipend/tuition, so it most definitely depends on the program and position. 
• Would the RAship lead to publications and conference presentations? Say that this is something of big interest to you and you're curious about the opportunities. Another possible question would be about funding to attend conferences.

Now ask yourself these questions:

• Is the opportunity worth it, if there is not funding?
• Do you think this master's program will prepare you further for being competitive in PhD applications?
• Do you like the professor, lab, city, etc. enough to take this master's position, or would you like to explore your options as a full-time RA?

A lot of this is definitely in your hands and is a tough, but good, situation to be in! Ask the professor as many questions as you need until you feel prepared to make a well-educated decision. Congratulations again for being accepted to the masters programs!

[tanm55]

22 minutes ago, eeepsych13 said:

That sounds like an awesome experience if you decide to go that route, since you would be getting research experience and working closely with the professor. Since it's very specific to that lab, I would ask the professor a few questions...

• Funding: would it be an RAship, or a voluntary position on top of coursework? I know my sister is attending an MPH program and her TAship covers stipend/tuition, so it most definitely depends on the program and position. 
• Would the RAship lead to publications and conference presentations? Say that this is something of big interest to you and you're curious about the opportunities. Another possible question would be about funding to attend conferences.

Now ask yourself these questions:

• Is the opportunity worth it, if there is not funding?
• Do you think this master's program will prepare you further for being competitive in PhD applications?
• Do you like the professor, lab, city, etc. enough to take this master's position, or would you like to explore your options as a full-time RA?

A lot of this is definitely in your hands and is a tough, but good, situation to be in! Ask the professor as many questions as you need until you feel prepared to make a well-educated decision. Congratulations again for being accepted to the masters programs!

ahh thank you for taking the time to respond to this! appreciate all this advice. i'll definitely have to ask the professor some questions for clarification--thanks again  

[periwinkle27]

I agree with the posters above. I think you're better off taking a paid RA position instead of going for your master's. I don't think the debt will be worth the payoff. Work some more, and then, when you think you're ready, apply to fully-funded PhD programs.