graduate researcher

research assistant

postdoctoral scholar

research technician

sous chef

North Carolina State University

This work experience involved so much, it is difficult to compact into a singular brief summary. I was exposed to situations and people that I have never before in my life knew existed, such as the nerve wrecking anticipation of the final score of a single game that took months of preparation by over 300 staff personnel and countless outside supporters and fans that determined the fate of high school recruits, full-time staff members, and even the public standing of the Head Coach of a division I university. I came into contact with members of the university, student body, and the community who would stop at nothing to achieve what they wanted. I met people who saw young students as nothing more than pawns or means to their end, however selfish that end may be. For the first time in my life, I came into contact with people who held and wielded real power, whether it be through politics, money, or both. And the consequences that came from those who dared try and stand in their way. But I also met people who have both inspired me and taught me the true meaning of humility and heart, who taught me what it really means to have courage in the face of real adversity. I gained life long mentors, who taught me what it really means to have a goal in life, and what it truly takes to meet that goal. And once I meet a goal, to never stop, but train and push myself with no other support or help from others, but through the sheer will. There is nothing but competition in the world, through social media, media, our friends and family, our co-workers, the list is endless. And education fails to teach us something, and that hardships are not only inevitable, but as young professionals we should expect and even aspire to face these future obstacles in our journey to cultivate our careers. Intelligence seriously does not give significant sway, there are so many intelligent people in the world. There are so many people with amazing talents and capabilities. There is no such thing as the perfect candidate, or perfect resume to hand over in an interview. It's all about taking every inch of what you have, surge forward with those inches no matter what, and never ever let anyone or any failure stop you. Because even our heroes are going to let us down. Even the very people we strive to become, really fall short of who we actually can be. I used to think that only would I truly succeed any achievements noteworthy or be anyone special if I graduated with honors from a top ten university, graduate from a top ten law school by 25, marry someone who was handsome and successful, etc. I was consumed with looking the part, and hating myself for every time I "let" myself down. It's ironic, that watching high school graduates, most of these athletes that came from the very opposite background I so coveted, and the tribulations that they fought on a daily basis. Tribulations that education does not teach you about. Tribulations like truly holding on to your morals and values, fighting the sweet temptations of letting them go to get ahead.

A typical day at work involves remaining busy - either seeing students in individual, group, triage or outreach appointments all day.  If you aren't dedicated to the betterment of NCSU students then this job isn't for you....
Starting here in 2013, I learned an abundance about how to be an excellent clinician providing direct counseling services from this organization.  I consider myself to be an excellent clinician in large part because I worked for the NCSU CC.
Management at the Counseling Center is laissez-faire in nature - if you're qualified for the position, hired, and trained in the basics (meaning the very basics - like how to navigate the documentation system & internal communication services used) then you're expected to do excellent clinical work but no one is micromanaging you or up-in-your-business.  You'd have to be someone actively trying to underperform to find yourself in trouble with a supervisor.  (So if you're someone who looks to be sub-par, I doubt you'll be hired & I'd encourage you not to bother applying.)  NCSU hires the best.  Hard workers dedicated to helping students struggling with any range of mental health issues.  
The hardest part of the job? I'll share the paragraph I'd write here with my supervisor rather than indeed.com...

The most enjoyable part of my job is knowing I make a positive difference in the lives of the students I work with.  I love knowing I get to do so in an environment where if I need to consult with a colleague it's not only encouraged but facilitated in whatever way makes sense.  I'm fortunate in that I've gotten to work with the NC State Counseling Center for a number years as overall it has been an incredibly rewarding experience.  I know for me, I became a counseling professional because I had a genuine drive to help people. At the NC State Counseling Center I get to do so in a supportive environment, and that is awesome.  When I focus on whether or not I'm allowed to accomplish my goal of changing lives for the better in my role as a counselor at NCSU, I'm a grateful employee who loves going into work each day.

First, let me say the university, campus, and city are very nice. Lots of growth on campus, around the area, etc. Opportunities to jump around and search new avenues. 

Now, let me talk a little about the department I worked in. I worked within DELTA (Distance Education & Learning Technology Applications). I really liked the people, but after several years, really got to know the people/personalities/positions. I was given job title changes over the years but kept my Official University Title through HR, which limited increases in salaries, no banding, or growth opportunities. Absolutely no job growth in this department. 

I left because senior management was particularly bad at their jobs. The only way to move up in DELTA is to be in the original group of friends/clic that are original from the start. And they do not handle conflicts well...

I have seen good employees come and go and good ones get pushed out. After being told by director level staff I would be better in a smaller company, freelance, or private, I decided it was time to look. 

This department is NOT liked at the University level and makes it hard to do your job and do it right. Always competing with other departments [University Communications] to get work out the door. 

The most enjoyable part was the relationships/friends I built while working here. I did learn a great deal while I was there, but would not go back. They are all about selling technology and professional development over anything else.

Resident Advisor and Administrative Coordinator positions can be difficult to come by at times, but they are well worth the work given the benefits and work place environment. As an RA you receive free housing as well as a free meal plan (with upgrades available at an additional cost) and a Stipend each semester which is paid to you biweekly through direct deposit. You generally work between 10-15 quality hours a week with certain scheduled times when you are "on duty/on call" overnight and up to 24 hours a day. These days are scheduled at the beginning of the year so that you can plan around them and they do not interfere with you studies as it is emphasized that they come first in this sort of environment. Additionally, there is always the possibility of changing your schedule during the semester should you realize you need a change to function effectively. In the job you will not just enforce housing policy, but will also be planning programming for residents which is a great opportunity because it means you are able to plan and attend events that you and your peers will enjoy. In general supervisors are fun and enjoyable to work with. Most of them are under 30 years old as many are in grad school and that allows for greater understanding of experience and reliability between supervisors and staff which I found to be very helpful in this sort of work environment. Finally, I learned leadership and management skills during my time as an RA and Administrative Coordinator which was a great asset when applying to jobs after graduation.

As a former Resident Advisor (RA), I had an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. The position gave me the opportunity to foster a sense of community among residents, providing a supportive environment where students felt comfortable and connected. I enjoyed planning events that encouraged social interaction, academic support, and personal development, which really helped build strong relationships within the residence hall.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of the role was being a mentor and resource for my residents. Whether helping them navigate campus resources, offering advice, or simply being there to listen, I truly valued the opportunity to make a positive impact on their college experience.

In addition to the interpersonal skills I developed, I also honed my leadership and problem-solving abilities. Managing conflicts, addressing challenges, and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents taught me how to stay calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with confidence and empathy.

Overall, being an RA was an amazing experience. It allowed me to connect with a diverse group of students, make lasting friendships, and develop essential skills that will serve me well in my future endeavors. I would highly recommend the position to anyone looking to make a difference in their campus community while growing as a leader.

I had the incredible opportunity to embark on an educational journey at North Carolina State University (NCSU), and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded all expectations. NCSU is a remarkable institution that blends academic excellence, vibrant campus life, and a supportive community. From the moment I stepped foot on campus, I knew I was in for an extraordinary adventure.

Academics at NCSU are truly outstanding. The university offers a vast range of programs and majors, ensuring that every student can pursue their passion and achieve their career goals. Whether it's engineering, business, humanities, or the sciences, NCSU's faculty are experts in their fields, providing invaluable knowledge and guidance to their students. The emphasis on experiential learning and hands-on projects allows students to apply classroom concepts to real-world scenarios, fostering a practical and well-rounded education.

NCSU's commitment to research and innovation is unparalleled. The university is at the forefront of cutting-edge discoveries and breakthroughs across various disciplines. As a student, I had the opportunity to engage in research projects, working alongside world-class professors and contributing to groundbreaking advancements. The research facilities and resources at NCSU are state-of-the-art, providing students with the necessary tools to explore and push the boundaries of knowledge.

I came to NCSU expecting it to be like most academic work environments, but I was dreadfully wrong. Postdocs are treated like second or third class citizens by all other types of employees here, and they aren’t even offered full healthcare benefits (with no explanation or alternative methods for taking part in benefits like Flex savings accounts, for example). Somehow even the undergrad and grad students are respected more highly. It’s clear that they don’t see postdocs as part of the university community, and many PIs use that as an excuse to abuse you in your position and then force you out once you finally decide to stand up for yourself. The university is small enough that I expected things to run more smoothly- at least at the college level- but they do not. Postdocs also do not get their own offices, which isn’t a huge deal, but it’s also not always ideal to be crammed in a small room with 5-10 other employees and expected to churn out results, especially when some of those employees are doing their best to create a hostile environment. I would strongly recommend either going for a research prof job instead, or trying your luck at another university.

•	Conducted tours for freshmen and new students using superior customer service skills
•	Coordinated diversity poetry programs through Intercultural Center; advertised the events to the campus by creating all of the marketing materials and distributing them throughout the campus community
•	Led student groups, in an effort to promote academic success, student achievement, retention and persistence 
•	Assisted with the “Men of Vision” program; Helped coordinate and facilitate discussion topics, including single parenthood and academic achievement 

•	Helped students with academic assignments, including special research projects, using statistical programs and software such as Excel and SPSS
•	Assisted faculty members by grading tests, evaluating research papers, and completing other duties, as requested
•	Completed administrative duties for the lab, such as answering phones, directing students, and loading printers, using superior organizational, technical, and customer service skills
•	Managed the lab by examining student traffic, enforcing institutional policies, and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment for all patrons
•	Trained student workers all administrative and customer-related guidelines, using excellent leadership, management and facilitation skills

What is the best part of working at the company?
The staff are very welcoming and knowledgeable. Everyone at the center is on a first-name basis, and quick to offer what help they can. The campus, orchards, and fields are picturesque, especially at sunrise.

What is the most stressful part about working at the company?
Honestly, this has been one of the least stressful environments I've worked, due to the helpful and genuinely friendly attitudes and great work ethics of the people at the station.

What is the work environment and culture like at the company?
It's hard to illustrate what a gem of a work environment is offered by this station. You can tell the people here love what they do and sharing their enthusiasm with others.

What is a typical day like for you at the company?
I get to set my own hours for the most part, as long as the work gets done. I choose to arrive early so I can leave early -- I often beat the sun to the station. My particular job could see me performing molecular research in the lab, planting or harvesting in the fields, or making hybrid crosses in the greenhouse. The varied work keeps things from getting dull, and I get to interact with people from all over the station.

A typical workday includes working closely with research animals, primarily rodents.  intensive manual labor involved, pushing and pulling animal racks, lifting bags of feed.bedding and crates of water bottles. The daily tasks are very repetitive and can be monotonous, but is still quite rewarding.  I have learned quite  a lot in laboratory animal science and about animal research.
     I consider my position a great opportunity to be involved in research science, but I have found myself feeling unfulfilled.  Most of my counterparts do not have my education level and have worked in this position for many years.  I view this opportunity as a stepping stone for myself and am ready to pursue the next step that will help me become more directly involved in research science.
    My drive and intelligence, combined with my degree and work experience, I know that I could be a valuable asset to an investigator.  My operations manager has even said to me that they felt I would better serve a principle investigator as opposed to being an animal technician.  I am still on my way up in my career and want to take the next step.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Graduate researcher 22 salaries reported	$31,924 per year
Research assistant 17 salaries reported	$39,324 per year
Postdoctoral scholar 171 salaries reported	$63,006 per year
Research technician 78 salaries reported	$18.69 per hour
Sous chef 9 salaries reported	$58,996 per year

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