RA positions

[CountZero]

I am going to grad school to persue my MSEE at UW this fall and I don't really know how to approach getting a RA position. I have been reading some of the papers by professors and there are a couple whom I would like to work with but I'm not sure how to breach the subject. Is it entirely bad form to email a professor expressing an interest in their research and showing interest in working as an RA with them. Do professors hand pick RAs, post openings, or do they expect students to take the first step?

I'm obviously new to this so I don't know how it is typically done and I don't want to give a poor first impression. I've also applied to work as a TA but would prefer to work as an RA.

And while we're at it, anyone want to share their grad school experiences as an RA or TA and what pitfalls to avoid or what worked well for you?

Thanks!

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

did you get a letter of support from the department?

Talk to some grad students who have been there for a while because they will know how the system works. Ultimately, it will boil down to you finding a professor who has a grant that will pay for your salary and benies.

some departments are more organized than others about this.

UW distinguishes between PAs TAs and RAs

PAs pay slightly less, but are often 12 month appts.
TAs are limited by the departments budget and the pecking order used to give them out.
RAs are used by some departments more than others. Pay slightly more, and are supposed to be connected to the students dissertation work.

UW rates are such that you want a 50% appt at the minimum.

Feel free to PM me if you have more questions.

 

Is there a website or other clearinghouse where Research Assistant positions are posted? If so, try there first. If not, contact your advisor if you've got one.

 

[CountZero]

Oops, should have specified University of Washington.

There is no website listing RA positions that I could find. I did contact my temp advisor but he is out of the office so I thought I'd post here. Contacting a current grad student is a great idea though, I will try that.

Thanks for the help so far!

 

[HomeBrewerDude]

oh yeah, there are two UWs

 

[MisfitsFiend]

Contact you advisor - it is ok tp approach profs and express desire to work on thier projects.