<p>I just had a few questions regarding some work I am doing in my graduate program (M.A). It is my first semester and I figure this stuff cant hurt but was wondering if it will have any impact on the strength of my PhD applications.</p>
<p>One, is doing research outside of your major a bad idea? I am an International Relations major working as a semester long graduate research assistant on an NIH grant through the Psych department (studies drug, alcohol abuse depression of students ETC). I was wondering if this is looked down upon. I will actually be published however it is going to be like 4th author and outside of my major. Do you think this kind of thing helps me appear to be a well rounded and involved applicant or looks as if I just drift around? Obviously being published isnt a bad thing but would help a great deal more if it was in my field.</p>
<p>Two, I am currently a Graduate Advisor to the Multi-Cultural board at my University, I assist with event planning and general help with the day to day functionality of the multi-cultural club ( includes the GLBT committees, Black Student Union, International Students Board etc). I figure as an IR major things such as this will be helpful as it exhibits hands on real life experience in a diverse organization. Do these types of involvment tend to help? or is it viewed similarly to extra curricular things.</p>
<p>I am just wondering if things like this will help when I apply for my PhD, and was hoping someone who was in my shoes has had these issues ( what positions to take and which to decline) and how they effected their applications if at all. I am a Political Science major, who honestly isnt sure what area of emphasis I want my PhD in, focusing however at this time on IR as it is my M.A specialization however American Politics was my undergrad area of emphasis.</p>