Before becoming a respected researcher, analyst, and program evaluator, Dr. Destiny Ramjohn studied at Columbia University and served as a teaching assistant (TA) for a semester for a qualitative research methods course using ATLAS.ti qualitative data analysis software. During her time as a teaching assistant, Destiny Ramjohn created a new syllabus that improved learning, group activities, discussions, invited more guest lecturers, and increased the opportunities for hands-on analysis projects.
In fact, Destiny Ramjohn was so successful as a TA that not only did students give her “stellar” reviews in course evaluations, she also received departmental praise for improving student engagement and positive response. The reality is that a University TAs are an incredibly important role that young professionals must take seriously. Not only does it provide helpful skills and experience, but it also gives the professional an opportunity to work with a mentor and other experts in his or her field.
Dr. Destiny Ramjohn discusses how her experience helped her establish a successful career in sociomedical research.
“Working inside the classroom is one of the most important responsibilities of a teaching assistant,” says Destiny Ramjohn. “Aside from class structure, this also gives you the opportunity to learn more about your craft or area of expertise.”
“Furthermore, many teachers will require you to work outside of the classroom as well,” adds Destiny Ramjohn. “This actually gives you the opportunity to create a professional relationship with the professor, who can serve as a mentor as you grow your career.”
Indeed, with publications in multiple medical and psychological journals, it is clear that Dr. Destiny Ramjohn’s career benefitted significantly from her excellent work as a TA. In fact, after one semester she was promoted to full leadership of the class as an adjunct, which is not typical in a university like Columbia.
In fact, Destiny Ramjohn was so successful as a TA that not only did students give her “stellar” reviews in course evaluations, she also received departmental praise for improving student engagement and positive response. The reality is that a University TAs are an incredibly important role that young professionals must take seriously. Not only does it provide helpful skills and experience, but it also gives the professional an opportunity to work with a mentor and other experts in his or her field.
Dr. Destiny Ramjohn discusses how her experience helped her establish a successful career in sociomedical research.
“Working inside the classroom is one of the most important responsibilities of a teaching assistant,” says Destiny Ramjohn. “Aside from class structure, this also gives you the opportunity to learn more about your craft or area of expertise.”
“Furthermore, many teachers will require you to work outside of the classroom as well,” adds Destiny Ramjohn. “This actually gives you the opportunity to create a professional relationship with the professor, who can serve as a mentor as you grow your career.”
Indeed, with publications in multiple medical and psychological journals, it is clear that Dr. Destiny Ramjohn’s career benefitted significantly from her excellent work as a TA. In fact, after one semester she was promoted to full leadership of the class as an adjunct, which is not typical in a university like Columbia.
