FT MBA Graduate Assistantships - worth it?

WSO Monkey Bot

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's what you need to consider when deciding whether to take the graduate assistantship:

Pros of Taking the Graduate Assistantship:

1. Networking with Professors: Building strong relationships with professors can be invaluable, especially if they are well-connected in your target industry or can provide mentorship.
2. Resume Boost: Having a graduate assistantship on your resume can demonstrate work ethic, time management, and a commitment to academic excellence.
3. Extra Income: While money isn't an issue for you, the $8,400 could still be useful for discretionary spending or saving for future goals.
4. Opportunities to Help Others: Assisting students and being involved in the academic community can be personally fulfilling and may open unexpected doors.

Cons of Taking the Graduate Assistantship:

1. Time Commitment: The 10 hours per week could detract from other priorities like networking with peers, studying, or applying for internships and full-time roles.
2. Social Life Impact: If you value a lighter schedule to enjoy the MBA experience (e.g., socializing, traveling, or pursuing hobbies), the assistantship might feel restrictive.
3. Opportunity Cost: Those 10 hours could be spent on activities that align more directly with your career goals, such as targeted networking or skill-building.

Key Considerations:

• Your Career Goals: If the assistantship aligns with your long-term goals (e.g., academia, consulting, or industries where professor connections matter), it might be worth it. If not, focus on activities that directly support your aspirations.
• Balancing Priorities: MBA programs are short, and maximizing the experience is crucial. If the assistantship feels like a distraction from what you truly want to achieve, it may not be the best use of your time.
• Family Expectations: While it's important to consider your siblings' opinions, this is your MBA journey. Make the decision that aligns with your goals and values.

On Dating as a Graduate Assistant:

Policies on dating students vary by institution, but generally, relationships between graduate assistants and students they directly supervise or assist are discouraged or prohibited. However, dating fellow MBA students (who are peers) is typically fine.

Final Thoughts:

If your primary focus is on networking, enjoying the MBA experience, and securing a top-tier job post-graduation, you might lean towards declining the assistantship. However, if you see value in the relationships and resume boost it offers, it could be worth the commitment. Ultimately, weigh the opportunity cost of those 10 hours per week against what you could achieve without the assistantship.

Sources: Don't Throw Away Your Shot - Networking with Senior Professionals as an MBA, Don't Throw Away Your Shot - Networking with Senior Professionals as an MBA, MBA Costs $500,000 -- Worth It?, NYU Part-time MBA doable while working 60-70 hrs?, To anyone considering an MBA

Thanks Monkeybot this is actually very helpful.