Massachusetts College of Art and Design Offers Graduate Assistantships for Professional Development

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) in Boston offers graduate students paid assistantships each semester to enhance their professional and academic experience. These opportunities support various college functions, including teaching, research, studios, galleries, and administration. Students can engage in up to two assistantships per semester, with options in both teaching and technical categories.

Teaching assistantships allow students to work alongside faculty and undergraduate students, gaining insights into different artistic approaches and problem-solving methods. Technical assistantships offer a wide range of experiences, from skill-building in studio facilities like ceramics and digital fabrication to roles in cultural change initiatives and social media management.

Current student Lucy Bennett, pursuing an MFA in Studio Arts, highlights the value of these assistantships. Bennett's teaching assistantship has enhanced their learning experience by exposing them to diverse artistic methods and pedagogical strategies. Additionally, their role at MassArt's Graduate Gallery, MassArt x SoWa, has provided hands-on experience in gallery management, artist relations, and curatorial work. This experience has been particularly enriching, offering Bennett a deeper involvement in the arts community and valuable networking opportunities.

These assistantships are designed to provide students with concrete experiences to build upon as they transition into their professional careers. By offering mentorship and broader connections within the college and the arts community, MassArt aims to prepare its graduate students for successful careers in their chosen fields.

### Context

This initiative underscores the importance of practical experience in higher education, particularly in creative fields. By integrating assistantships into their graduate programs, MassArt equips students with the skills and connections necessary to thrive in the competitive arts industry. This approach not only benefits the students but also enriches the college's academic and cultural environment.