<p>I am wondering if anyone can give an example of someone who was accepted to grad school (engineering or applied science) without funding, and was able to find an RA or a TA position before school began or at least by the first year.
(MS or PhD)</p>
<p>As the director of graduate studies in my (humanities) program, I regularly assist unfunded students in finding extradepartmental positions that also carry full tuition remission and a stipend. For instance, this year, as DGS, I was informed of at least seven such positions (as a Resident Assistant, in the Writing Center, in the Rec Center, etc.), and I duly passed on this information to all unfunded folks admitted to my program. If I had any insight into good strategies for attaining these competitive positions, I also shared that information.</p>
<p>In other words, if your DGS is any good, s/he should help you find a position.</p>
<p>Thanks Professor,
I called the DGS and my adviser, and they suggested that I look for RAs in my field. I'm working in Europe, so I've been trying to email/call for positions, but its been fruitless so far.</p>
<p>My worry is that they may simply be giving me the run-around. I don't have great grades but I do have a lot of relevant research in the field (international experience also), and I'm hoping this will help.</p>
<p>I'm just wondering if it has been done before...</p>
<p>In larger depts, this is very common. Sometimes, openings will pop up in the middle of the semester out of nowhere. You may have to work with a prof for free for the 1st semester for them to try you out.</p>