The life of a research assistant

To most seniors about to graduate from the University, one of the culminations of their college journey normally comes in the form of an on-the-job training (OJT). Engineering students get to tinker with professional tools and gadgets, while business students try their hand at managerial work for multinational firms. In fact, both the University’s Applied Corporate Management and Manufacturing Engineering program have three terms of OJT dedicated to students who want a more in-depth look into the working environment.

However, the University experience has become more dynamic in recent times. Students can actually experience work related to their respective courses behind Lasallian walls. The research assistant program allows certain students to aid professors with their research, and at the same time, gain meaningful experience and compensation.

The hows and whys of being an RA

Anton Arguelles and Manuel Jopson are two such research assistants who are currently finishing their BSMSECO degree, a ladderized program that combines an undergraduate and a master’s degree in Economics. They took varying paths to becoming research assistants. Anton decided to become one when he realized he would have too much spare time during his comprehensive exam term. “I anticipated I would not be able to study that whole time, so I needed something else to do. Being a research assistant seemed like a logical choice, because I would gain some work experience, learn more about economics, and earn money all at the same time.” After being referred by Dr. Angelo Unite to Dr. Tereso Tullao, both University Fellows, Anton met with the latter and became a newly minted research assistant.

Manuel, on the other hand, did not undergo any formal proceedings. Several professors, such as Dr. Cesar Rufino, former School of Economics Dean Dr. Winfred Villamil, and School of Economics Vice Dean Ms. Mitzie Conchada, approached him to see whether he was available to assist them on different projects, and even receiving an offer as a teaching assistant. From there, the projects kept on coming, and Manuel has been at it ever since.

Clearing out questions and misconceptions

Pay is an oft-asked query surrounding Anton and Manuel. “People are curious what the pay is for those who have not graduated yet”, Anton shares. “The most common misconception of being a research assistant is that we are paid a lot, but it is not necessarily true, since payment is done on a per-project basis. Still, we are treated by the University as fairly as [possible],” Manuel adds.

When it comes to the workload, both Anton and Manuel agree that being a research assistant is not a necessarily taxing endeavor, unless the professor has plenty of projects going on, such as speaking engagements and conferences. Otherwise, Manuel spends his time fixing data and churning out reports, while Anton’s workload involves PowerPoint making, paper editing, and data gathering.

The pros and cons

Both Manuel and Anton agree that being an RA has a lot of perks. “You get to learn so much more than what your classes teach you,” Anton says. Manuel shares an instance where he was able to represent Dr. Tiongco, the Dean of the School of Economics, in a lecture given by a renowned professional in the economics field. “Not only did I get to take down notes, but I had the wonderful opportunity to experience world-class education from the best of the best,” he adds. Anton also mentions his helpful interactions with his professors. “I think this is the most important pro because you get to see what goes on in your field, and you get to learn life lessons from your boss.”

However, the job does have its downsides. Manuel mentions how the title of ‘research assistant’ can lead to misconceptions of being nerds or teacher’s pets. On the other hand, Anton mentions the job’s unpredictability—sometimes, projects can come out of nowhere and mess up his schedule.  It is also time-consuming and requires a great deal of patience whenever data is hard to find, and projects can get repetitive and boring. And as with any job, when too many projects come in, the feeling of stress ensues.

The secret life of an RA

What has being an RA taught you that you can’t get anywhere else? Manuel answers that the experience has exposed him more to the life of the academe.  “Aside from data mining, mathematical modeling, and other research skills, I would like to believe that I have a clearer grasp on how it is like to become a research-oriented faculty member of the school, based on observing my mentors and fellow RA’s. Basically we know the ins-and-outs of the life of the DLSU’s faculty.”

Anton claims that there are no special skills to being an RA. However, one does learn the virtue of respect, time management, attention to detail, and patience. According to him, the special thing about being an
RA is the more direct relationship he has had with his boss. “The RA and professor’s relationship, in my opinion, is more personal and it has a larger effect on your personal development.”

Looking back

If Manuel can get a college do-over, he sees himself still choosing to be a research assistant, even more if he were a student of COS or GCOE. It would give him the chance to make use of all the “toys” and “trinkets” of the college. “It’s a shame that economics is confined [to] theories and statistics—we can only make experiments within our computer programs and via policies that we provide in our recommendations. It’s not bad, but I think our engineering and science RAs have it way better, because they get to “play” around and maximize what their college has to offer them.”

Anton, however, goes for the more diplomatic approach. “If I had a chance to be an RA again, I would have to know whom I would be working for. Your time is precious, and being an RA takes a lot of time. Don’t waste your time on a prof you don’t like and a field you are not interested in,” he advises.