Re: Grad students - what's your work situation?
 

I work for the Federal Government while I am completing my MBA. I work part-time while in school (24 hours/week) and full-time when I'm out.

My first year, I worked as a research assistant for an archaeology professor. Basically, it consisted of editing papers--which I could do at any time. As long as I logged in 10 hrs/week, she was cool with it. The money was pretty much just spending money, and the connections were nice.

I had a summer internship at an architecture firm that became a part-time deal during the first semester of my second year. If you can stick with an internship, it could turn into a full-time gig--or, at the very least, you will have excellent references.

The second semester, I was a TA, which paid half-tuition and a smallish stipend. The TAship was, obviously, in my field, but it wasn't that much work and I was able to spend about 8 extra hours/week working on my thesis/doing job search stuff/whatever it is that Master's candidates in their last semester do.

Also my second year, I was a GA for Residential Life. I supervised a group of 10 RAs (no contact between myself and students), all for a 1-bedroom apartment, Campus Cash, and a stipend. I was pretty busy that second semester, but it was entirely free (except for insurance).

1) Coordinator for Writing and Research <20 hours
2) Adjunct Professor = teaching a 3 hour course and a 1 hour writing lab

My work situation has developed over the past year. This fall, I will be working again as the Coordinator for Writing and Research in the Academic Success Center of Nyack College. CWR is a position that was created for me (because as an undergrad I had concentrations in grammar studies and southeastern literature) to begin a new branch of the ASC programming.

I work one on one with students and train them in proper writing. Since it's a new position, a lot of things are up in the air. Soon, I'll start bringing people in to work under me and then I'll act more as a manager than anything else.

This fall is when I sign my FIRST contract to be an adjunct!! I was asked to teach two classes by the Dean of Students (an AKA) based on my knowledge and performance over this past work season. Woohoo!

My goal is to be a college professor, so this is a great start.