Aug 12, 2019
Penn State Graduate Research/Teaching Assistant reviews
4.0
2% would recommend to a friend
Eric J. Barron
2% approve of CEO
2% positive business outlook
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6 reviews
5.0
Feb 24, 2017
Chemical Engineering Graduate Student
Former employee, more than 1 year
University Park, PA
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
The faculty are passionate masters of their area of study, but also have realistic expectations for their grad students. Most of the undergraduate students are highly motivated and looking to learn. If you have difficulty with public speaking (like I did), then teaching engineers is the best practice because they'll let you know when you make a mistake, but will still be very polite and considerate. You can expect equally challenging and rewarding experiences.
Cons
Long hours, but if you're like me (and most engineering grad students) this could easily be a pro; if you love your work.
4.0
Oct 24, 2014
Grad school experience was a 7 out of 10
Former employee, more than 1 year
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook
Pros
Other grad students were engaged in developing each others skills (e.g. initiating reading groups, study times, professional development). The main support I received were from other students and not department faculty or administrators. I was able to secure a full stipend to cover cost of tuition and minimal living costs from my department.
Cons
The Faculty in my department were somewhat out of touch with the best ways to help individual grad students. Furthermore, I was a teaching assistant and saw the indifference that some faculty instructors show their students. Many of them (not all!) are more interested in their research. Even newer faculty, who may have a "pass" were not supported by more established faculty in order to improve their skills. Overall, this was the most discouraging.
Viewing 4 - 6 of 6 Reviews
