By Abigail Jones

Regardless of a student’s field of study, a graduate assistantship or student worker position within West Virginia University Libraries prepares them with useful skills and a well-rounded experience that goes beyond coursework. From coding to writing or researching to cataloging, Libraries graduate assistants (GAs) and student workers take these skills, make them their own, and hone a path toward their passion and career. WVU Libraries sat down with a few workers and talked to them about their unique experiences.

Opening possibilities

Many GAs find that their assistantship within Libraries offers flexibility in their choices and learning opportunities to forge new and individual paths.

“My idea going into my degree was to finish and then go active duty with the Army bands. It was always my goal, but once I started working in the Libraries, I realized there were a lot more options available to me and it didn’t have to be one particular way,” said Nate Penven, a master’s graduate in music performance. “The joy I found in library work, and the flexibility in it, has inspired me to explore the field further and to pursue a career in it.”

Increasing software and technical knowledge, leading projects, and navigating complex challenges: the soft and hard skills acquired at the Libraries prepare students for critical opportunities like interviews and ultimately, jobs.

“My assistantship with WVU Libraries was a big part of why I got my internship. My work with the State Museum of Pennsylvania is with their registrar team doing collections management,” said Ashley Sellars, a master’s student in public history. “I was able to demonstrate in the interview my administrative understanding of the work. Being a researcher and seeing what it looks like on the other side was a huge help for me getting that position.”

Meeting financial needs while building skills

Students who are ineligible for typical financial aid work study assignments still have financial needs. WVU Libraries, through generous donors, provides internships that support these undergraduates financially but also provide skills and training while opening the door to new and exciting career paths.

“I’ve genuinely had the best time working at WVU Libraries between studies and classes! I’ve always been interested in library systems as a lifelong library user, and working in a more behind-the-scenes role has been such an eye-opening experience,” said Gretchan Utzman, a senior in mathematics. “I’ve learned a lot about what goes into making a library run smoothly, and what an important role WVU Libraries plays for the entire University. Overall, I’m super happy that I’ve had the opportunity to work in the Libraries and I value my time here. My experiences have made me really excited to explore potential careers in libraries after graduation.”

Merging student interests

Our GAs bring a unique set of interests, passions, and goals that help shape their roles at the Libraries, and assistantships give them the opportunity to work directly with those interests.

Silpa
Beegala

Dean's Office
PhD Student in Human and Community Development

WWVU Libraries worked with me to add a teaching component to my assistantship to help me gain important experience for my goals. I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced teaching new age groups for my career in academia.

Ainsley McHugh

Research Support & Engagement  Master's Student in Public History

The Libraries has been supportive, with great staff who allowed me to look into different projects that align with my own interests. I was able to set up a literature display on Irish history and culture for St. Patrick’s Day in the Evansdale Library guided by my own familiarity with modern Irish historiography!

Damon Navaroli

Research Support & Engagement Master's Student in Public History

Since learning there were opportunities to pursue a career in history through the National Park Service and Forest Service, my career goal has been to work as a public historian for one of those organizations. My Libraries assistantship is helping me do that.

Consider contributing to the next class of libraries undergraduate workers

Give to the Claudia J. Cola and Thomas M. Frassrand Library Intern Fund (2W1561) or the Al and Rose Liller Memorial Library Intern Fund (#2W1804) at give.wvu.edu/wvu-libraries.