Abstract
This study proposes a means of guiding undergraduate research assistants programs in a more positive direction. This will be achieved by researching the reality of the programs operated in engineering departments for graduate school students and by analyzing the problems thereof. To achieve this objective, a literature study and research were conducted, which comprised of a survey on 204 graduate school students within the metropolitan area of Korea. The results of the study demonstrated that experience as an undergraduate research assistant has a positive influence on the adaptation to and life in graduate school. However, the role of the student and the level of salary varied depending on the role of the student, based on the capacity and support of individual professors. Thus, it is deemed that there will be a need for systematic program improvement and the development of a program that can provide significant academic activities, rather than simple experimental assistance.