Interview Preparation: 8 Week Summer Research Position in Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around preparing for an academic interview for a summer research position in physics, specifically focusing on the investigation of Antimony phosphate glasses using 31P solid state NMR. Participants share their experiences, expectations, and advice regarding interview preparation and the importance of enthusiasm and background knowledge.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Raj expresses uncertainty about what to expect in the informal interview and seeks information on Antimony phosphate and 31P solid state NMR techniques.
  • Some participants suggest being oneself and showing enthusiasm as key strategies for the interview.
  • Raj notes that the interviewers are familiar with his academic background, which may make it challenging to stand out among other applicants.
  • There is a shared belief that demonstrating interest and independence is important, with suggestions to read literature to formulate critical questions.
  • One participant shares their experience of being rejected from internships, attributing it to a perceived lack of enthusiasm compared to another candidate.
  • Concerns are raised about the significance of first impressions and how they can impact interview outcomes.
  • Raj reflects on their interview preparation, indicating a focus on technical knowledge rather than interpersonal presentation, which they believe may have contributed to their rejection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of enthusiasm in interviews, but there is no consensus on how to balance technical preparation with interpersonal skills. Raj's experience highlights the subjective nature of interview evaluations, suggesting differing views on what constitutes a successful interview approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss the challenges of preparing for interviews in a competitive environment, noting the difficulty in accessing specific information about the research topic and the variability in interview expectations.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students preparing for academic interviews, particularly in STEM fields, may find the shared experiences and advice relevant to their own interview preparation processes.

Baggio
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Ok,

Well I applied for this summer research position at my university. It's for 8 weeks and I would be investigating the structure of Antimony phosphate glasses using 31P solid state NMR. So I'll be making glass samples then analyse them by solid state NMR using J-coupling and dipole-dipole techniques.

I'll be working with other PhD students and members of the faculty... It's my first real academic interview (I'm a 3rd year physics undergrad) and the guy in charge said that the interview would be informal.. What should I expect do you think? I think by informal he means that they just want to see how interested I am in taking part in the project.

I've spent the last few hours looking for specific information about the Antimony Phosphate and the 31P solid state NMR technique but I haven't really found anything. Most papers just simple state that the technique was used and they assume the reader is familiar with it. Does anyone know anything about this? Or where I might find such information..

Any help or tips would be very much appreciated..

Raj
 
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Just be yourself and be enthousiastic about working for them :smile:

You might want to prepare yourself to be able to give background information about previous projects you've worked on, or things you would like to do in the future, but it really is not such a big deal.
 
Thanks for the comments

It's for the same depertment that I'm currently studying in so they pretty much know what I've done so far. I asked the guy what background information I'd need and all he said I only need to know the contents of the NMR course which he just so happens to be teaching.. My self and all the other applicants are taking this course so it's hard to separate us I think.. Which is why I want to look into the particular type of research they will be conducting so that I can stand out from the competition.
 
I think with this type of thing it is most important to show your interest and enthousiasm. Show that you are independent and that you want to learn.

It is good that you want to read up on the literature: that way you can ask critical questions, most likely they'll give an introduction themselves on what the research will entail.
 
Good luck Baggio

I just heard i can start my phd...hihhaaaaaaaa

marlon
 
whohooo :biggrin:

I too want to start soon.
 
Thanks guys..

I've been trying to found some material on it but it's been difficult. I'll let you know how it goes ;)
 
Oh well,

I applied to an internship before and got an email from them... - Rejected..

Then I walked down the corridor and talked to the guy in charge of the NMR internship which I had an interview for this morning - Rejected

Rejected twice in 1 minute.. :( .. What does a guy have to do to be given an opportunity..

He said that they gave the position to someone more ENTHUSIASTIC.. The same someone who was in my group project group a couple of months ago and basically slacked off and did not meet deadlines... I think I've just been spat in the face, so insulting.

I could have gone in there and ACTED enthusiastic by being all hyper and etc but that's not my style, I'm more relaxed but they didn't see that as enthusiastic.. Lesson learned..
 
Too bad.. :(

First impressions are crucial in interviews. I mentioned enthousiasm twice, I do believe it is the most important thing.

But don't feel too bad, you'll get better chances.
 
  • #10
Yeah, I suppose you're right. I tried to be more enthusiastic but up against that guy it's really difficult...He's energetic and smiles 24/7... arggh.. It's not the actual rejection I'm dissapointed about. It's the fact that this was probably my last chance to get some good meaningfull experience in a lab before I start applying for my PhD. If I had another year in between I probably wouldn't feel that bad.. I applied to several places last year and didn't get them. Academically I don't see anything wrong with me.

I think the problem was that I didn't prepare for it properly. I was too caught up in the technical side of it, like what questions could I ask them to show that I am interested and have done some reading up on it. But at the end of the day it doesn't seem like that was very important.

Oh well

thanks for your advice though, I'll keep it in mind next time.
 
  • #11
So does that mean that you now have all summer to study for PhD entry exams? :wink:
 
  • #12
Hehe, well I'm from England so I will be applying to english universities but I really want to apply to american universities as well.. I guess I can studying for the GRE's over summer

But that will be a completely different forum thread ;)
 

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