Becoming a Graduate Assistant at UIS

Publish Date

2026-10-15

When I decided to continue my education at the University of Illinois Springfield, becoming a Graduate Assistant (GA) was an opportunity I was excited to explore. I knew the position could help with the cost of graduate school, but I soon realized it offered something more: the chance to gain professional experience while continuing my education.

As a GA for University Communications, I work on marketing, communications and media projects for the university. Although every GA position at UIS offers a unique experience, I’ve learned a few things along the way that might be helpful for future graduate students.

It Is More Than a Way to Help Pay for Graduate School

One of the biggest draws of a GA position is the financial support. Graduate assistants receive a tuition and partial service fee waiver covering up to 30 credit hours per academic year, along with a monthly stipend for living expenses.

Beyond the financial benefits, my position has given me the opportunity to apply what I’m learning in my classes to real-world projects. One of my ongoing projects is the Why UIS series, where I coordinate with students and staff to schedule interviews, film their stories about why they chose UIS, and edit the videos for publication. Additionally, I write platform-specific captions, schedule and publish videos across UIS social media channels and edit and upload the videos to the UIS website.

Working on marketing and communications initiatives has helped me gain experience in my field while pursuing my degree and hopefully digital marketing in my future career. For graduate students looking to prepare for their careers, a GA position can be a valuable way to build professional skills and strengthen a résumé before graduation.

Your GA Position Is Still a Job, But School Comes First

Graduate assistantships are typically 20 hours per week, and one thing I think future GAs should understand is that you cannot simply work beyond those 20 hours when things get busy. That is because you’re a student first. Your supervisors understand that you still need time to study for your classes.

Three students in class doing school work on computers.

That does not mean the work is not important. It means communication matters. If you have an exam, major assignment or particularly busy week coming up, communicate with your supervisor. They can help you manage your time while still meeting expectations. It’s one of the most valuable skills you’ll develop in this internship.

You Become Part of Your Department

One of the things that surprised me most was how involved I would become in the department where I work. I am not simply completing a list of tasks and leaving at the end of the day. I am included in meetings, projects and conversations that give me a better understanding of how university communications and marketing actually work. I have opportunities to contribute ideas for social media content, marketing campaigns and university branding initiatives, then collaborate with the team to help develop those ideas and put them into action. I see how creative ideas evolve into larger strategies and how thoughtful planning and collaboration help bring those strategies to life.

Student discussing a project with someone else.

That involvement has helped me learn things I would not necessarily get from a classroom alone. I have been able to see how ideas develop into actual campaigns and communications, collaborate with different people and contribute to projects that reach the entire UIS community.

The Experience You Gain Is Up to You

A GA position gives you the opportunity to gain experience, but I think you get the most out of it when you are willing to ask questions, take initiative and learn from the people around you.

A teacher helping a student at the computer.

My biggest advice for future GAs is to absorb as much as you can. Do not be afraid to ask why something happens a certain way, volunteer to learn something new or take on a project that challenges you. The experience you gain can be just as important as the degree you are earning.

If you are considering graduate school at UIS, I would encourage you to look into the Graduate Assistantship program. The application process is competitive, but the opportunity to gain professional experience, receive financial support and become part of a UIS department can make the experience incredibly worthwhile.

I found out about my GA program through my advisors, professors, and other people and venues on campus.

I was interested in applying for a GA position for the benefits like free tuition and the stipend. Additionally, I thought the experience I get from working with the Office of University Communications would be good for my future career and resume.

I hoped to gain experience and soft skills that will benefit me in my future career after graduation.

I am most excited for the financial benefits covering my tuition and part of my service fees.

Some challenging parts about this position are balancing school, studying, work and my own personal hobbies while keeping my quality high.

I would have wanted to know how immersed into the department I would be. It has been a great experience!

I would advise future GA's to absorb as much knowledge as you can and just try your best when struggling to balance everything. Remember school comes first; your supervisors will understand and work with you to help balance school and work responsibilities.