Working as an RA before grad school

In summary, the individual is currently an undergraduate and looking for options after graduation. They are considering working as a research assistant in their physics department and are wondering if it will benefit their graduate school applications if they publish research during this time. The expert advises that publications are always helpful and can make a candidate more attractive to potential employers or admissions committees. They also suggest considering staying in school and trying for an RA or TA position, which can provide financial benefits and improve chances of being admitted to graduate school. The expert also addresses concerns about fairness and clarifies that admissions committees are primarily concerned with finding the most qualified and dedicated candidates. They also mention the difference in RA/TA opportunities at American universities versus other universities.
  • #1
McLaren Rulez
292
3
Hi,

I am currently an undergrad. Now, I have some student loans to pay off and I also don't feel like going to grad school right after my undergrad. I thought it would be a good idea to work as a research assistant in my physics department after I graduate.

During these RA years, if I do some good research that ends up being published (hopefully), will it help with grad school applications? Or is it of no real advantage since I techincally will have done it after my undergrad?

Thank you for your replies.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Do you have the job lined up? "Hello, please hire me as an RA instead of taking on a student of your own" may not get the best results.
 
  • #3
My school usually hires some graduating students as RAs. At least for the past three years, I know quite a few people who have graduated and stayed on as RAs or TAs (some of those also work on research). Perhaps things are different here because this is not an American university?

So, I'm not 100% certain but it's a very good chance.
 
  • #4
McLaren Rulez said:
Hi,

I am currently an undergrad. Now, I have some student loans to pay off and I also don't feel like going to grad school right after my undergrad. I thought it would be a good idea to work as a research assistant in my physics department after I graduate.

During these RA years, if I do some good research that ends up being published (hopefully), will it help with grad school applications? Or is it of no real advantage since I techincally will have done it after my undergrad?

Thank you for your replies.

A couple of thoughts. Publishing creditable work is never a negative and should be somewhat helpful in job shopping, if relevant to the job. Getting an RA/TA position and going to graduate school are not mutually exclusive. I had a TA position in college and an RA position in graduate school. IMO, suck it up for a little longer and stay in school, and try for an RA or TA position. In every case I know of, the RA or TA got you a little money and "in state" status for tuition. Since I always went to school “out of state” the savings was huge!
 
  • #5
ThinkToday said:
A couple of thoughts. Publishing creditable work is never a negative and should be somewhat helpful in job shopping, if relevant to the job.

Yes, this is what I thought. But I also heard that since any work that I publish will be after my undergrad it wouldn't really count. Essentially, the argument is: I get the opportunity to do extra research during those years while those who apply directly after their undergrad don't. Hence, work done during this time is not a factor in grad school decisions in the interest of fairness to undergrads who apply directly after they finish school. Is this true?

Thank you for your other points too.
 
  • #6
McLaren Rulez said:
Yes, this is what I thought. But I also heard that since any work that I publish will be after my undergrad it wouldn't really count.

No. That's not how admissions committees think.

The way that admissions committees think is "we are able to spend massive amounts of time and effort on person X, how can we be sure that person X will be useful to our department." Anything that you can do to convince the committee that you will be useful to them (i.e. you are smart and dedicated enough to finish the program) will help.

Also publications are a difficult issue because the question always comes up "how much effort did the person actually put into the publication." Just haven't a publication is pretty useless. Having a publication and then having recommendations letters from people saying how great a researcher you are will help a lot.

The other thing is that if you aren't sure you want to be going to graduate school, then you shouldn't apply, so not applying now will give you some time to figure out if you really want to go or not.

At least for the past three years, I know quite a few people who have graduated and stayed on as RAs or TAs (some of those also work on research). Perhaps things are different here because this is not an American university.

They are. In American universities, RA and TA'ships are generally reserved for graduate students. I've seen a few rare examples of an undergraduate staying on as a lab assistant, and that has always been a big asset.
 
  • #7
Thanks twofish! Your reply was very helpful.
 

FAQ: Working as an RA before grad school

What is an RA?

An RA stands for Research Assistant, which is a position commonly held by individuals pursuing a career in science. RAs are responsible for assisting with research projects, conducting experiments, and analyzing data under the guidance of a principal investigator (PI).

What are the benefits of working as an RA before graduate school?

Working as an RA before graduate school can provide valuable hands-on experience in a research setting, allowing individuals to develop important skills and techniques while also gaining a deeper understanding of their field of study. It can also serve as a strong foundation for future graduate studies, as RAs often have the opportunity to work on their own projects and contribute to publications.

What types of tasks do RAs typically perform?

RAs may be involved in a variety of tasks, including conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, writing reports and publications, attending lab meetings, and assisting with administrative duties. The specific tasks may vary depending on the research project and the needs of the PI.

Is it necessary to have prior research experience to work as an RA?

While prior research experience can be beneficial, it is not always necessary to work as an RA. Many PIs are willing to train and mentor individuals with little to no research experience, as long as they possess a strong work ethic, a passion for the field of study, and a willingness to learn.

Can working as an RA help in getting into graduate school?

Yes, working as an RA can strengthen an individual's graduate school application. It demonstrates a commitment to research and a strong work ethic, and can also provide valuable letters of recommendation from the PI. Additionally, the skills and knowledge gained as an RA can be directly applicable to graduate studies and make for a smoother transition into a graduate program.

Similar threads

Physics Lost undergrad looking for advice on career path and grad school
Replies
5
Views
2K
Physics From Software Engineering to Astrophysics Grad School
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics Grad School (and career) Work-Life Balance: Physics vs Other Fields
Replies
8
Views
2K
Physics Questions by a First Year UofToronto Physics Student on Grad Admissions
Replies
26
Views
2K
Other Help finding GR and PER grad school programs?
Replies
2
Views
1K
Physics [Nuclear Experiment vs Nuclear Theory] [National Lab/General Outlook]
Replies
9
Views
741
Other Just got Phy+Math Degree, Waiting for Grad School, what to do
Replies
2
Views
2K
Physics Is the Job Market for Geophysics in Canada Uncertain Due to the Pandemic?
Replies
13
Views
3K
Physics How do you keep track of scientific literature in your field?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Physics Will Serving (4Yrs) in Military Inhibit Grad School Chances
Replies
17
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top