For a student such as myself who is living on a budget, and is interested in working part-time to earn some money while studying, one option available is to work for a professor. Many SKEMA professors are also conducting research related to their area of expertise. They may be researching for the purpose of publishing papers, a course textbook, or offering public lectures. In any case, they may be interested in taking on a research assistant to aid them in their work. Not only is this a great way to earn a bit of extra money, but it is also a great way to establish a relationship with a potentially well connected faculty member who may be able to help you in the future. 

I sought out such employment and, thanks to my proficiency with the English language, was fortunate enough discover that one of my professors was in need of such an assistant. The work I am asked to do is being used to improve the previous edition of a course textbook in preparation for the release of the next edition. This entails several tasks: editing case studies that have been submitted and providing feedback to the authors, compiling a glossary of terms, editing additions to the textbook for spelling and grammar, providing a student’s opinion and perspective on the content of the book, and also creating an online survey to compile data.

With an allotment of 20 hours per month the schedule is not overly demanding, and with proper time management, does not impact my classroom performance. The schedule is also quite flexible, and with the exception of certain deadlines that are placed on me, the majority of the work can be completed remotely and at a time of my choosing.

Through my work I have gained an insight into the process by which textbooks are created and improved. What I have learned is that textbooks are largely collaborative and constantly being updated to fit with current affairs. This is especially true for a business course text as the business environment is continually changing in comparison to a Physics textbook, for example, which would remain relatively constant. As a result of our efforts, I would like to think that I have also developed a friendship with my professor. This relationship has already started to benefit me as I have been put in contact with some companies that I would be interested in working for. Provided the quality of my work is maintained I can certainly count on a strong reference from my professor.

The SKEMA faculty covers a broad spectrum of disciplines and research pursuits. For a motivated student, this presents a fantastic opportunity to build one’s network and cultivate some lasting relationships.    

Todd Wierenga, MSc IB 09-10