Job Responsibilities
Classes, 40%; Research, 60%. I take approximately 6 credits (2
classes) per quarter (4 a year) which is about 6 hours a week in
class, 2-3 hours of homework. I work in the lab 6 hours a day
on my project. If I need to study for an exam or write a paper
I do not have to go to lab. In the lab I am responsible for
everything surrounding my project including acquiring reagents,
performing experiments, and project design and timeline.
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Job Requirements
The classes are very informative but manageable. Professors are
all approachable and fair in grading policy. Grad students can
get into any class they want to, but there are not many offered
each term. Two classes is plenty when working in the lab full
time. Otherwise three is manageable but most students take 4.
Terms are 10 weeks long so they are over quickly. A masters can
be completed in less than 2 years without a thesis, 2-3 years
with a thesis. Phd programs usually last 5 years.
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Uppers
I can show up anytime I want - as long as I make progress on my project it
doesn't matter when I come or how long I stay. It is rewarding to design my own
project and goals. It is also rewarding to independently perform experiments.
Everyone is supportive and the other grad students help where you don't have
experience.
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Downers
When experiments don't work, or when critical experiments make
you stay late into the night - it is not a 9-5 job which is good
sometimes and not good other times. Grad students must present
to the department an oral defense of their thesis once per year
(in a supportive setting). Masters students are not paid.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are determined by the individual - it is best to work during the day
when everyone is there to help you out and chat, but you can come in or stay late
at night too. As long as you make progress on your project, it doesn't matter
how much time you put in or when you take off for vacation. Work is dress-down
and we listen to music all day.
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Compensation
Masters students are not compensated, they used to be able to TA
for tuition reimbursement, but that is ending. PhD students are
paid $20,000-25,000 depending on their advisor's grant.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Research is low-key at Drexel. The departments are small and
limitted in research options, so it is important to make sure
they have research that you are interested in. On the other
side, these qualities also make the departments small and you
will be friendly with all of the professors and grad students.
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