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Assistantships are one way you can help finance your MIDP degree while gaining valuable experience and working alongside Duke's expert faculty. Learn about some of our fellows' TA and RA experiences below.
Ade Putra MIDP'25
During fall semester, Ade was a Teaching Assistant (TA) for Alexander Pfaff's PUBPOL 303D Microeconomic Policy Tools course.
Why was this position of interest to you?
As someone deeply interested in learning economics, this course provided me with valuable insight into how economics is taught at the undergraduate level in the U.S. Professor Pfaff has a very distinct method of teaching that aligns with my ideal approach, which emphasizes the key concepts that students need to understand. That is not all; this course enriched my knowledge by highlighting the role of microeconomics in the realm of public policy, particularly in the United States.
How did this position help to finance your studies at Sanford?
Extra revenue is always helpful for a student with a limited income source. In addition to financial support, my view toward assistantships is like taking a free course. This dual benefit allows students to gain practical skills while receiving financial assistance.
How did you balance your TA position with your coursework?
My coursework has always been my top priority. However, since I have been paid for my assistantship, it would be irresponsible to approach it without proper attention. Therefore, balancing my coursework with my job as a teaching assistant is essential. This means I need to trade some benefits of the experience for less leisure time.
What did you find engaging or especially interesting about your TA experience?
The PUBPOL 303D course included a lab session where TAs were required to teach and guide students. This was a new experience for me, especially teaching in front of native English speakers, which was initially intimidating. However, the students were incredibly friendly and supportive, which made the teaching process much more manageable. I will always cherish this experience as it will significantly affect my growth as a teacher.
What advice would you give to students considering a TA position?
If you receive an offer for a course you have already completed, view it as an opportunity to refine your skills in that area. However, if you get an offer for a course you have not previously taken, consider it a chance to participate in a free course.
Nicole Leines Artieda MIDP'25
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As a Research Assistant (RA) at Sanford's Center for Child and Family Policy, Nicole worked with Ann Skinner on the Parenting Across Cultures project and with Christina Gibson-Davis on STEPS: Study of Teen Experiences that Promote Success Study.
Why was this position of interest to you?
Working as a research assistant allowed me to explore both quantitative and qualitative data on parenting and child development across diverse cultural contexts. I particularly valued contributing to research on teenagers and young adults—observing how access to resources at different developmental stages can create or mitigate inequality. This experience has deepened my commitment to addressing educational disparities and reinforced my desire to work in the education sector.
How did this position help to finance your studies at Sanford?
Both positions provided valuable financial support that covered my daily living expenses, allowing me to devote more attention to my coursework and professional development. The ability to earn while gaining research experience also enriched my academic journey, as I could directly apply what I was learning in my master's program to real-world policy research.
How did you balance your RA position with your coursework?
Balancing coursework and an RA position required meticulous organization and careful time management. I relied on detailed scheduling and set clear priorities each week, which helped me stay on track with both academic deadlines and research responsibilities. For instance, I used a shared calendar to align assignment deadlines with RA project milestones, ensuring I could manage both without last-minute conflicts.
What did you find engaging or especially interesting about your RA experience?
I especially enjoyed collaborating with Hispanic families, which allowed me to connect with my roots in a meaningful way. Additionally, I was able to apply and refine my R programming skills through real-world data analysis, making the research process both practical and rewarding.
What advice would you give to students considering a RA position?
Make the most of it. Take full advantage of the RA experience by connecting the concepts and skills you’re learning in your master’s program to your research tasks. Be proactive in asking questions and seeking feedback—professors value curiosity and initiative. Finding that sense of purpose will help you stay motivated, make meaningful contributions to the project, and gain deeper insights that enrich your overall academic journey.
Livia Hoxha MIDP'25
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During her second year in the MIDP program, Livia served as a Teaching Assistant for Policy Analysis for Development, taught by Professor Natalia Mirovitskaia.
Why was this position of interest to you?
I was particularly interested in this TA position because of my passion for international development and policy analysis. Working closely with Professor Mirovitskaia and engaging with students allowed me to deepen my understanding of key development frameworks while contributing to an enriching learning environment.
How did this position help to finance your studies at Sanford?
Serving as a TA provided invaluable financial support during my studies at Sanford, helping to offset living expenses. Beyond the financial benefits, it was also an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in academia, which is invaluable for my professional and academic growth.
How did you balance your TA position with your coursework?
Balancing my TA responsibilities with coursework required time management and organization. I prioritized tasks, maintained clear communication with both students and faculty, and scheduled dedicated time for grading and involvement. This experience strengthened my ability to juggle multiple responsibilities effectively.
What did you find engaging or especially interesting about your TA experience?
One of the most engaging aspects of my TA experience was seeing students apply policy analysis tools to real-world development challenges. It was incredibly rewarding to support their learning process and witness their progress throughout the course. Additionally, I am deeply grateful to have worked under Professor Mirovitskaia, whose mentorship and expertise made this experience even more meaningful!
What advice would you give to students considering a TA position?
I would encourage students to embrace the opportunity, as it is both intellectually and professionally rewarding. It enhances subject mastery, improves communication skills, and provides meaningful engagement with faculty and peers. Time management is key, but the experience is well worth the effort!