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Need Advice for PhD Interview

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  • 09-07-2011 5:36pm
    #1
    NFH
    Registered Users Posts: 293 ✭✭


    Hey, have an interview for a microbiology PhD position coming up and just wondering if anyone has advice on the best way to prepare. Are there various questions that I should be ready for etc. Any advice would be appreciated.


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    #2
    Tree
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,710 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    Not nessecarilly micro related, but be prepared for questions like
    why do you want to do a phd,
    what do you hope to get from a phd,
    what are you planningo n doing after a phd,
    do you see yourself in academia/industry,
    could you get where you want w/o a phd,
    what experience/skills do you have that prepare/suit you to a phd,

    (these are some of the ones i got in interviews a while back)


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    #3
    NFH
    Registered Users Posts: 293 ✭✭NFH


    Tree wrote: »
    Not nessecarilly micro related, but be prepared for questions like
    why do you want to do a phd,
    what do you hope to get from a phd,
    what are you planningo n doing after a phd,
    do you see yourself in academia/industry,
    could you get where you want w/o a phd,
    what experience/skills do you have that prepare/suit you to a phd,

    (these are some of the ones i got in interviews a while back)

    Cheers for that. My aim's are very general, from my experience to data I know I really enjoy the area of research and would have a general goal of doing a PhD in an area that interests me, then doing a PostDoc and maybe someday getting into research/lecturing. However I feel that this might be a bit general for them if I say this.

    What you'd you say they are looking for from the above questions?


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    #4
    Tree
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 4,710 Mod ✭✭✭✭Tree


    I was fairly honest about what i wanted and expected. I reckon a phd will be pretty tough, but ive dealt with failed projects in the past and am a stronger person for it, so hopefully will be able to hack the phd. Overall, im not sure i could recommend some of the answers i gave (i was a bit brutally honest), but i'd say have a think about the why you really want to do it and just be prepared to answer some questions about your motives for doing a phd.

    Also, if you have any relevant hobbies and activities, think about how you can bring them into some answers, demonstrate your enthusiasm for the topic in more than just academic grades.


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