PhD interview, any advice?

i_got_a_mohawk · #1 02-20-2009, 09:06 AM

I know there are many members on here at various levels of academia.

I've just heard back that I have an interview for a phd studenship

.

I'm currently doing my MSc (Nanotechnology & Microsystems) and have a BSc (hons) (Biochemistry) under my belt. The PhD is going to be related to cardiovascular study and was openly advertised as also being avalible for people with non-biological backgrounds. So I think the mix I have helped in this situation.

Main question is, any tips for the interview?

I'm going to read up some work that was done in the lab, and look into some things which would allow me to apply my previous experiences to cardiovascular studies etc.

Fontaine · #2 02-20-2009, 09:08 AM

throw feces at them.

RHFusillo · #3 02-20-2009, 09:16 AM

Yes, do read at least some of the research being done at the lab. Be familiar with what they are doing. Other than that, be confident and interested and prepared to talk about what you're doing in your Master's program.

And I'll pass along something that my advisor told me when I was in graduate school. After I presented my proposal to my research committee, my advisor spent a few minutes doing a post-mortem. One of the members of the committee asked a question and I began my response with "Good question..."

"Of course it was a good question," he said. "Professor Simon is a Nobel Laureate."

That broke that habit.

Dr. Cheese · #4 02-20-2009, 09:33 AM

As I'm sure you know, the UK system is much more tied to research than the Ph.D. model in the USA. From what I understand, getting a doctorate in the UK totally revolves around the research project. What can you bring to the table that will advance the research interests of the professor that would be your supervisor? I think that is something you should really consider.

katri · #5 02-20-2009, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fontaine

throw feces at them.

HAHAHAHA

armywalaby · #6 02-20-2009, 09:45 AM

Wear nice pants and make sure your shoes and belt match.

katri · #7 02-20-2009, 09:53 AM

I had an interview for Lancaster University yesterday it was ok, the only real advice I have is be enthusiastic and know a bit about what they do, it shows you've done some homework.

anyonefortennis · #8 02-20-2009, 11:43 AM

probably shave the mohawk.

**john turner** · #9 02-20-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

I know there are many members on here at various levels of academia.

I've just heard back that I have an interview for a phd studenship

.

I'm currently doing my MSc (Nanotechnology & Microsystems) and have a BSc (hons) (Biochemistry) under my belt. The PhD is going to be related to cardiovascular study and was openly advertised as also being avalible for people with non-biological backgrounds. So I think the mix I have helped in this situation.

Main question is, any tips for the interview?

I'm going to read up some work that was done in the lab, and look into some things which would allow me to apply my previous experiences to cardiovascular studies etc.

neal stephenson's book "the diamond age" had a guy in it who used nanites to continuously tear down and rebuild his musculature, like he was engaged in a constant workout. might be a good angle to try, with regard to researching a method to repair and strengthen the heart.

what? i'm serious.

Mark Latimour · #10 02-20-2009, 12:56 PM

Try not to crap your pants, both literally and figuratively, during the interview.

**Vorago** · #11 02-20-2009, 01:12 PM

You being for Schotland and all...

Watch and learn...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdpqH1_EC7A

Quote:

I'm a bit of a perfectionist actually...

username n/a · #12 02-20-2009, 01:24 PM

Don't **** up.

i_got_a_mohawk · #13 02-20-2009, 02:12 PM

Cheers for the advice guys.

- Won't use the "good question" response
- Is the PhD system that much different in the US? I thought PhDs were always research based? Is there a taught element to them in the US?
- I'll obv. make sure to have my good suit out (and the mohawk is gone as of the middle of january anyway (just didnt work so well with the receeding hairline

)
- Katri, you going for a doctorate aswell?
- Sadly sci-fi style nanites will never exist, they tend to follow macro scale engineering and the issue with this at nanoscale is brownian motion (not related to fontaines post). Only viable "nanites" would be based on protein like structures.
- Will try and keep my cool . . . aaayyyyyyyy
- Will try to remember not to take speed prior to interview.

Cheers again guys

lousybassplayer · #14 02-20-2009, 02:16 PM

Probably knowing what you are talking about will help. An go to the right place. Chances are the guy at the record store would love to ensure you become a Doctor, but he may not have the authority to see to it. Also, what do you have the finest examples of in the world flowing like water in that country? Don't want to appear to uptight do you?

Dr. Cheese · #15 02-20-2009, 02:16 PM

Research is central to the US model, but it comes after the culmination of a few years of advanced course work that is research focused also. The UK system, from my understanding, jumps straight into the research project. I think the difference lies in superior undergraduate preparation in the British system. This is especially true of the social sciences and humanities.

MatticusMania · #16 02-20-2009, 02:20 PM

Bring a cigar!

i_got_a_mohawk · #17 02-20-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lousybassplayer

Also, what do you have the finest examples of in the world flowing like water in that country?

Obesity and teenage pregnancies?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Cheese

Research is central to the US model, but it comes after the culmination of a few years of advanced course work that is research focused also. The UK system, from my understanding, jumps straight into the research project. I think the difference lies in superior undergraduate preparation in the British system. This is especially true of the social sciences and humanities.

I didn't realise there was a required amount of advanced coursework. Don't know if our system is better, or they are just wanting to have more overqualified people?

lousybassplayer · #18 02-20-2009, 02:25 PM

I can't comment on that, but I am not sure that will help you on your interview.

**john turner** · #19 02-20-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

- Sadly sci-fi style nanites will never exist, they tend to follow macro scale engineering and the issue with this at nanoscale is brownian motion (not related to fontaines post). Only viable "nanites" would be based on protein like structures.

aw, man, don't ruin my dreams with actual -science-.

.

good luck with your interview

.

Dr. Cheese · #20 02-20-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by i_got_a_mohawk

Obesity and teenage pregnancies?

I didn't realise there was a required amount of advanced coursework. Don't know if our system is better, or they are just wanting to have more overqualified people?

Consdering that America has a huge number of universities and colleges, most of which are not Ph.D. granting, a good advanced education is useful preparation for college teaching. The thing that most faculty end up doing at Non-Research one rated institutions. Research one being flagship institions that grant doctorates and have extensive labs and research library capacity.