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13 Alternatives To Working As A Teacher Assistant

Working as a teaching assistant is an applaudable job, especially if you’re earning your master’s degree at the same time. Not only can you review the lessons you’re learning through studying them, but you’re also getting an extra refresher whenever you help a professor teach the same lessons to others. Plus, it’s a good moneymaking option on the side as you pursue your degree.

Substitute Work For Teaching Assistants

If you’re studying and working at the same time, you might be wondering how you can venture to work in other careers that require the same qualifications as a teacher assistant. If you happen to be pursuing a Master in Fine Arts degree, you can get financial support for your MFA if you decide to explore such options that deviate from being a teaching assistant. You’re also at liberty to go into other careers that tangent with your field.

Here’s a look at 13 alternatives to working as a teacher assistant.

  1. Writer

With an MFA degree, you can become a qualified writer; the opportunities you can explore are endless. You could write scripts for various platforms such as online content, television, radio, and books. You can start a writing hub to compile content to sell to multiple corporate or entertainment channels.

Becoming a freelance writer with an MFA degree is one way to make you stand out from the competition, meaning you may land high-paying writing gigs. Where there is content needed, a writer is needed. Thus, there will always be work available for you.

  1. Editor

If you have an eye for words, linguistic structure, tone, flow, and grammar, becoming an editor may be a good path for you. An editor fixes any mistakes from written works and is responsible for its refined reading. Editors are required in the corporate space, advertising, freelance space, and many more channels. Furthering your education in line with becoming an editor may open many opportunities for your success.

  1. Artist

Artists are the creative thinkers behind the creation of art pieces. The most common art forms include painting, sculpture, pottery, photography, literature, film, and theatre, to name a few categories. While many artists work in all these areas, others specialize in only one or a few of them. A person interested in becoming an artist should take time to research the different types of art styles to develop their unique style. Specialization can take form while studying for an MFA degree, as various creative projects will be explored in class.

You can express different kinds of art, be it on the wall of an apartment building, a business, a bar, a school, an office building, a church, or any place that needs an artistic appeal. To execute jaw-dropping art pieces properly, an artist has to pay attention to details, which is a skill that can be enhanced by an MFA degree. When an artist completes a masterpiece, the onlookers will be inspired and able to identify with what the artist intended to express.

  1. Fashion Designer

Fashion designers create men’s, women’s, and kids’ clothing. This may include casual apparel, outerwear, swimwear, formal wear, footwear, baby clothes, and baby accessories. There are even costume designers who create special-occasion clothing for holidays and theme parties. The types of products fashion designers produce may be limited, but they’re glamorous and stylish, plus the designs speak for themselves.

Fashion designers also visit manufacturers to see their products in use. Many such designers start by making simple outfits and then develop their sense of style by buying clothes and visiting fashionable places, such as fashion shows and trade shows. The knowledge of how to creatively piece separate fabrics together is a skill that can be developed through the learning of the arts.

Fashion designers can work long hours, but they also find great enjoyment in designing. Some designers are commercial artists, while others specialize in one particular type of fashion. Whichever route a designer takes, it takes hard work and creativity.

  1. Actor

Actors are storytellers who make characters come to life and connect with viewers. The skills that actors have include being able to walk the tightrope between being real and being entertaining, being able to get along with a variety of people on an emotional level, knowing how to handle various personalities seamlessly without resorting to unnecessary drama, and knowing how to effectively carry out complicated scenes while maintaining the momentum of the story.

Beyond the stage or screen, the skills these professionals have spill over to off-screen spaces. Stage plays require a different set of skills from acting in a film or television production. Actors may have to work with directors, producers, and other crew members to help create the best shows or movies possible. Actors may need to develop their communication skills to ensure that the director and producers get the results they want. These are skills that can be enhanced by an MFA degree.

  1. Researcher

The techniques a researcher can implement may be scientific methods such as experimental study, research methodologies such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, or simple measurement methods such as elicitation, observation, or questionnaires.

A researcher conducts different types of studies, from short-term to long-term ones. These may be done on particular samples or on research groups or populations over a relatively short time. For example, a study may be done on students in a specific educational level who take part in a specific research study. At the end of the study, the researchers will have all the data they need to determine the effect of a certain intervention on educational attainment for this group of students.

There are many other types of studies that researchers may perform. All of these are time-consuming and require a great deal of analytical skills. Such skills could have been first practiced when working as a teacher’s assistant.

 

  1. Public Speaking

The first thought that may come to mind when referring to the term ‘public speaker’ is somebody who has to keep crowds entertained. They need to keep the audience entertained by creating witty speeches and humorous utterances. They have to grab the audience’s attention to keep them listening.

A public speaker can also direct events in a certain direction by communicating with the audience. This art requires an understanding of the audience to efficiently communicate messages, adopting the right tone of voice, thinking like a TED speaker coach, and knowing when a particular message needs to be communicated.

  1. Interior Designer

Interior designers are required to arrange spaces in such a way that everything blends together and gives a feeling of comfort, relaxation, and convenience to any person who occupies the space. An interior designer isn’t just an adviser to the customer; they are also advisers to the contractors and tradesman involved in house construction. The interior designer must be able to work well with these people to have a good completion of the project.

There are many different types of interior designer’s duties. Some of them are the principles and concepts on which the designing takes place, the technical skills required to create the different parts, the idea of space and how it affects the way a place looks, how energy-efficient the building is, the relationship between the materials and the climate, how the construction will affect the future of the building, and many other factors that need to be learned.

When talking about interior designing, it’s about planning, conceptualizing, constructing, furnishing, and maintaining a house or a building for comfort and convenience. They are concerned with the interior arrangement and decoration of the building and making them suitable for human living.

  1. Photographer

A photographer is an artist that specializes in the fine art of taking digital and/or film pictures. Professional photographers utilize various natural or artificial lighting to take shots of different people, places, and objects in various settings. The result of the photography is often amazing, sometimes lifelike, and usually very meaningful to the subjects depicted.

There are a variety of ways that photographers work. Most commonly, they are hired by a commercial or private client to produce specific photographs in return for paying either by the hour or by the project. Other photographers work through freelancing websites that list projects by the designer or client, and they work on a per-project basis as a consultancy. There are also companies that hire freelancers on a regular basis to take pictures for the enterprise, and this type of work setup could provide a retainer fee for the freelance photographer. These are but some of the many types of work setups a photographer could explore.

There are many different fields of photography that freelance photographers can do as well. Documentarians, educators, entrepreneurs, fashion designers, and musicians have used the services of freelance photographers at one time or another.

 

  1. Make-up Artist

Makeup artistry is one of the most important aspects of modern beauty. As a makeup artist, you can go into the fashion industry and work on models who will be photographed for a fashion spread or scheduled to walk the runway. You can also work in the entertainment industry and freelance for film or television shoots.

You can also set up your business where people could come for makeup art. When you’ve garnered enough skills and established a good network, you can decide to become a makeup consultant and charge your clients as you teach them the skill eventually.

  1. Film Director

In the world of cinema, a director is the person who has the overall creative control of the film, as they take part in planning the story, casting, and all other aspects involved in creating a successful film.

When speaking of directors, the term refers to people whose works are considered classics. Usually, it takes several years of strenuous work to see the fruits of your labor in the form of a masterpiece. For some, it takes practice and several projects to enhance the art of film directing.

  1. Marketing Manager

A marketing job advertises materials distributed to an interested customer. A marketer is in charge of business dynamics, such as a designed website, print material, and social media content. Marketing is essential for businesses because it’s the only way the target market will become aware of the service product offered. This requires efficient communication and the art of thinking outside the box.

A marketer also needs to research the target market and competitors, and analyze the economy at large, so that the business can align its strategy accordingly.

  1. Graphic Designer

Graphic design is the art of designing using typography, imagery, iconography, and other graphics-based tools to communicate a message to a target audience. The visual elements that are part of a graphic design also include photos, video, and interactive elements. Although some designers don’t consider these as ‘graphics,’ they play an important role in making a graphic design, depending on the project.

The art of graphic design dates back to the ancient art of sculpting. There were no computer models then, and there were no sophisticated color schemes either. Those who came before were very limited in their design skills because they had to rely on their vision to create whatever visual effect they wanted. This resulted in some of the best artwork ever made, though, and it started the development of the computer-assisted design that’s now used extensively by modern designers.

The design process also requires the use of many graphics software packages that help in creating the final visual effect or layout to be used. Today, there are numerous sites available for freelancers to showcase their skills and submit their portfolios to interested clients.

Conclusion

There are many different paths that you can take besides being a teacher’s assistant. With an MFA qualification, you can become a writer, editor, artist, actor, researcher, public speaker, interior designer, photographer, fashion designer, makeup artist, film director, marketer, and graphic designer. You’re not limited to these choices, though, as having an MFA degree means you learn various styles, skills, and knowledge management that will guide you into becoming the best in many types of professions.

Best Christmas Films: Chosen by Us (Updated)

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To get into the spirit of Christmas, Our Culture has compiled a short list of films for the festive season. We’ve added a few new additions to this brilliant list of films (which we first compiled two years ago).

Die Hard (1988)

Die Hard, a classic by John McTiernan starring Bruce Willis, has been disputed by some for the Christmas film title. However, we believe Die Hard is as Christmassy as it gets. Hence, we’ve decided to put it on our list. Yippie-Ki-Yay, Mother#^@%*&.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Among our favourites, we have the comedy-filled How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Ron Howard’s adaptation has become one of the most popular Christmas films in pop culture, and holds some timeless comedy scenes that will make you laugh over and over.

“It’s not a dress, its a kilt! Sicko!”

Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone (1990)

Home Alone, the film that made Macaulay Culkin a child superstar, has been regarded as one of the best Christmas films of all time. What else can we say? It’s timeless!

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)

Unsurprisingly, It’s a Wonderful Life makes this list too. Initially a flop upon its release, the film’s repeat showings on television have secured it a dedicated audience. Touching on the very meaning of life itself, It’s A Wonderful Life is a wonderful film!

Love Actually (2003)

Richard Curtis’ Love Actually has become a Christmas classic for the British public in the recent years. One of the key elements that makes this film such a success is its cast which includes Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Martin Freeman, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Keira Knightley, and Alan Rickman — to name a few. The film follows the lives of eight couples who deal with their love lives in numerous loosely interrelated stories during the hectic month before Christmas. Love Actually is brilliant comedy with easy-to-watch drama that will help lift the festive atmosphere during these tough times.

Elf (2003)

One of our favourites film starring the hilarious Will Ferrell is Elf, a 2003 adventury-comedy film directed by Jon Favreau. The witty, well-paced style of this film won’t leave you bored for a minute, it’s a must-watch for anyone looking to get into the festive mood.

Scrooged (1988)Scrooged Bill Murray

Our final film to make the list is Scrooged by Richard Donner starring Bill Murray as Frank Cross. The film is based on ‘A Christmas Carol’ by English writer Charles Dickens. Scrooged has a distinct style of comedy that makes it a timeless classic and thus deserves to be viewed every Christmas.

“The b**** hit me with a toaster!”

 

Stream PC Music’s New Christmas Compilation Featuring A.G. Cook, Hannah Diamond, Alaska Reid, and More

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PC Music has unveiled a new Christmas-themed compilation titled Pop Caroler’s Songbook. It includes contributions from A.G. Cook, Hannah Diamond, Banoffee, umru, Aaron Cartier, Kai Whiston, and more, as well as remixes of two tracks from Alaska Reid‘s new EP Big Bunny. Listen to it below.

Pop Caroler’s Songbook was made available in its entirety on Bandcamp following an accompanying livestream on Twitch, featuring performances from artists on the compilation’s tracklist. Proceeds from the album will be donated to the Trussell Trust, a charity aiming to end hunger in the UK.

The Pop Caroler’s Songbook Tracklist:

1. Hannah Diamond – ‘Where Are You Christmas?’
2. A.G. Cook – ‘Oracle Icicle’
3. Planet 1999 – ‘We Belong Together’
4. Alaska Reid – ‘Oblivion (Pop Carol Mix)’
5. Alaska Reid – ‘Mermaid Tears (Pop Carol Mix)’
6. Holly Waxwing – ‘Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence’
7. Astra King – ‘All The Small Things’
8. Kane West – ‘Triptych’
9. Lewis Grant – ‘Big Break (Lewis Grant’s “Lewis Grant” Remix)’
10. Golin – ‘mm bb (ft. Samuelspaniel)’
11. umru & Silver Sphere – ‘White Xmas (ft. ericdoa & Fraxiom)’
12. jonny gorgeous – ‘Blue Xmas’
13. six impala – ‘FARAWAY199XMAS’
14. Himera & Petal Supply & Gupi – ‘All I Want for Christmas is You’
15. Banoffee – ‘Fuckwit (Rework)’
16. Kelora – ‘Girl (Pop Carol Live Version)’
17. Kelora – ‘Ultramarine (Single Version)’
18. Aaron Cartier – ‘Wishlist (ft. Baby Izo)’
19. Aaron Cartier – ‘Cartier Christmas (ft. Glitch Gum)’
20. Aaron Cartier – ‘Got Da Bag (ft. Alice Longyu Gao)’
21. Aaron Cartier – ‘Let It Snow (ft. Folie)’
22. Aaron Cartier – ‘I Really Like Christmas (ft. Caroline Lucent)’
23. Aaron Cartier – ‘Christmas Time Christmas Time (ft. Fraxiom)’
24. A.G. Cook – ‘Glasswurx’
25. Kai Whiston – ‘S.N.O.W.’

Watch Dua Lipa Perform ‘Don’t Start Now’ and ‘Levitating’ on ‘SNL’

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Dua Lipa was the musical guest on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live. The pop singer performed two tracks from her latest album Future Nostalgia: ‘Don’t Start Now’ and ‘Levitating’. Watch her performance below.

Lipa made her debut on the comedy sketch show back in 2017. Future Nostalgia, which landed on our 50 Best Albums of 2020 list, came out in March of this year. The album was nominated for Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2021 Grammy Awards, while ‘Don’t Start Now’ is up for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance. Lipa recently covered John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band’s ‘Happy Xmas (War Is Over)’ and performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk (Home) Concert series.

Netflix Release Second Season Trailer for ‘Dream Home Makeover’

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Netflix has surprised fans of interior design with the well-awaited second season trailer for the beloved show ‘Dream Home Makeover.’ The show follows Syd and Shea McGee, who started documenting their renowned rustic interior design style and home renovations on Instagram back in 2010 and grew their social media presence into a thriving design business named Studio McGee. Every episode features one home design project that ranges from small budget living room upgrades to full home renovations where money isn’t a worry.

‘Dream Home Makeover’ Season 2 will be streaming only on Netflix from the 1st of January, 2021.

Strive Masiyiwa Appointed to Netflix Board of Directors

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Just a few days ago, the giant streaming service Netflix announced that Strive Masiyiwa will be joining their board of directors.

Strive Masiyiwa is the current Chairman and founder of Econet Group, a telecommunications and technology group with operations and investments in 29 countries around Europe and Africa.

“We are delighted to welcome Strive to the Netflix board… his entrepreneurship and vision in building businesses across Africa and beyond will bring valuable insights and experience to our board as we work to improve and serve more members all around the world” added co-CEO Reed Hastings.

Grimes Changes ‘Miss Anthropocene’ Cover Artwork

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Nine months after its release, Grimes has changed the cover artwork for her latest album Miss Anthropocene. The new cover, which already appears across streaming sevices, was commissioned from the artist Rupid Leejm.

“This was the original Miss Anthropocene album cover which I commissioned from one of my *favourite* artists,” Grimes explained in an Instagram post back in April that featured the new artwork. “I polled a bunch of ppl and everyone said not to use it (??) but I wish I trusted my gut. I fucking LOVE this painting.”

The artwork that accompanied Miss Anthropocene upon its release was created by  GMUNK and Ryder Ripps. “I love what we did w Ryder and Gmunk,” the artist noted in the same post. “Not hating on that just wish I’d even kept this as the illustration in the program maybe instead of my drawing which.. is fine but not blowing my mind haha.”

Grimes recently released a new song for Cyberpunk 2077 called ‘Delicate Weapon’. Check out where Miss Anthropocene landed on our 50 Best Albums of 2020 list.

black midi Cover ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘What Christmas Means to Me’

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black midi have shared two new holiday covers. The London quartet have offered their take on Bobby Helms’ 1957 classic ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ and ‘What Christmas Means to Me’ (most famously performed by Stevie Wonder). Proceeds from sales of the tracks, which are available at Bandcamp, will be directed towards the London music venue Windmill Brixton. Check them out below.

“We recorded a couple of covers of our favourite Christmas tunes at our rehearsal room and then added some bells an whistles at home,” the band wrote in a note on Bandcamp. “Usually we would do some fun one off covers shows at the Windmill around this time of year so hopefully this goes some way to fill the gap.”

black midi’s debut album ​Schlagenheim came out last year.

Listen to Toro y Moi’s Remix of HAIM’s ‘3AM’

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HAIM have shared Toro y Moi‘s remix of the Women in Music Pt. III track ‘3AM’. Give it a listen below.

Women in Music Pt. III, which landed on our 50 Best Albums of 2020 list, arrived in June.  Earlier this month, HAIM contributed to Taylor Swift’s new album evermore and shared a funny new holiday song titled ‘Christmas Wrapping 2020 (all I want for christmas is a vaccine)’.

Toro y Moi released his latest album Outer Space in 2019. His remix of Caroline Polachek’s ‘Hit Me Where It Hurts’ came out last week.

4 Types of Books Everyone Should Read

You may not be the kind of person who loves to read. Even so, there are certain books which everyone should try to read regardless of their interest in the subject. Never underestimate the importance of a good book; you may find answers to some of your deepest life questions. The following are a number of books that ought to be on your “must-read” list.

Classic Novels that must be part of anyone’s library

1984 by George Orwell

This book revolves around a world where society is suffering from injustice on many levels. Winston Smith, the protagonist, lives in a world where love and freedom are forbidden. People are controlled by “Big Brother,” a ruler that has eyes everywhere oversights what people think, see and say.

The bigger picture of this book consists of more ample matters. Orwell exposed the fact that people in the modern world are manipulated by a number of means such as mass media and the government.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

“Shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit ’em, but remember it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.” You may have heard of this quote but never know where it came from. Morals are the central theme of this novel – the action being focused on the gut instinct of right and wrong.

Harper Lee released the book in 1930 while the United States went through the worldwide economic crisis “Great Depression.” In that period, America was also going through some meaningful ethical developments as social inequality represented a real matter.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

The Boof Thief is not the first nor the last book about the Nazi period that hunts the world to this day. Markus Zusak gives a new approach to the well-known story, showing its readers a brand-new vision of the events.

From Death’s point of view, the novel presents the life of Liesel. The little German girl lives with her foster parents after the biological mother couldn’t afford to raise her anymore, sending her to the adoptive family. The story will take readers through different stages of emotions, presenting the concept of hope, bravery and friendship in hard times.

Animal Farm by George Orwell

Let’s bring up another well-written book by George Orwell, Animal Farm. “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others” is a famous quote from the novel and also the main idea of the book. There are plenty of similarities between the story and what is happening in the human world that people will discover by reading the book.

The Manor Farm is overtaken by the resident animals, unpleasant with the treatment given by the humans who own the farm. Old Major, an old boar, becomes in charge and leads the animal community into a better life. However, Major dies, two young pigs taking its place. In the begging things are working well until one of the pigs turns against its brother and banishes him. From now on, the farm suffers many negative changes that affect the animals.

Business and Money Self Education

Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki

Rich Dad Poor Dad is written from the perspective of two different characters, the poor dad and the rich dad, showing various financial principles. This lecture is perfect for those who want to educate when it comes to managing financials.

Although the book was released more than 20 years ago, its values remain compatible with the modern world.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

This book presents a true and realistic life illustration that can change the vision of the readers. Think and Grow Rich is not only bout getting rich but about getting what you desire. The book follows four main steps: desire, believe, act and persist. Readers will learn that the key is to remain ambitious and to urge to dream bigger.

The Professor, the Banker, and the Suicide King by Michael Craig

‘The next best thing to gambling and winning is gambling and losing. The main thing is to gamble.’ Those who enjoy playing at casinos, manly poker, will be pleased by reading this book. Making money out of gambling may be satisfying. However, it can also be a risky move. Gambling enthusiasts should educate themselves on this matter before diving into the casino world. Many gambling sites offer the opportunity to try poker titles. For example, there are platforms that educates people about how to play it responsibly. From tips regarding cryptos and insights about the casino itself, you can understand what online poker is about. Pop over to these guys to see what I am talking about. Staying up to date with new appearances in the economic field like digital assets can be vital in this matter.

Personal Development Top Picks

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

The Power of Habit explains how habits are born in individuals, social groups and even organizations and how to change them if needed. The book reached The New York Times bestseller listed and was nominated for the Financial Times and McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award in 2012.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

It may not be the usual personal development book, but this can be a good thing for those who don’t usually prefer to read this type of lecture. This book presents a blunt and harsh perspective and dispels many stereotypes about what it means to be happy. The notions are offered as they are, without being sugarcoated to make us feel better than we should about certain things. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck is about finding what really matters to you without caring about other things.

The Secret

This book revolves around the theory of thinking good things will bring good things, shortly, the “Law of Attraction.” The Secret talks about achievable and realistic goals people can set to start changing their living. The “Law of Attraction” is discussed in a simple manner, and it taught readers that their thought is influencing everything around them.

History and Biography

Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandala is one of the few remarkable political leaders of our time. He started to write his biography in prison and finished before becoming the president of South Africa. This book talks about the struggle he’s been through to find a balance between the political career and family devotion. Besides this, Mandala spoke about his first marriage that failed and the pain he felt while separated from his children.

Churchill: A Life by Martin Gilbert

This biography covers Winston Churchill’s whole life, from the political matters to his early belief in the technology evolution. One of the 20-century titans, Churchill, started his life on a rough patch. The first years of his life were full of failures, personal ones but also in the eyes of his family. It took many falls for him t become the man we all remember. Readers may be surprised about the many facts that are not very known for the public eye.

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Walter Isaacson was chosen by Steve Jobs himself to write his biography. At the time of writing, Jobs was not involved at all, saying that he did not even read it. The book creates a perfect portrait of the man who came with the Apple concept. Readers will find here even details about the well-known conflict between him and Bill Gates, the Microsoft founder.