Attending a Physics PhD interview when you might not go?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the ethical considerations and personal motivations for attending a PhD interview when the candidate is uncertain about actually enrolling in the program. Participants explore the implications of attending for experience versus the potential misleading nature of such attendance.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to attend the interview for experience, despite not being committed to the college.
  • Another participant questions the ethics of attending if the candidate has no intention of enrolling, suggesting it could be misleading.
  • A different viewpoint suggests that attending the interview is acceptable if the candidate approaches it with an open mind and considers the college's offerings.
  • One participant raises a hypothetical scenario about the college's intentions, questioning the fairness of using candidates for practice interviews.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit differing opinions on the appropriateness of attending the interview under these circumstances, with no clear consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the candidate's motivations and the college's intentions remain unresolved, and the discussion does not clarify the ethical boundaries of such interviews.

ams
Hi everyone,

I have an interview with a potential PhD supervisor scheduled for Friday, but I am not sure I will attend the college even if I get in. However, I want to attend the interview for the sake of experience (because I believe it'll help me identify the areas I need to improve myself in for future interviews). Is it misleading if I attend the interview even though I know I most probably won't be attending? Thanks in advance
 
Physics news on Phys.org
How would you feel if you knew that the college has no intention of admitting you, but the professor wants to practice on someone before interviewing the real candidates?
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: Motore
If you're absolutely dead set on not attending then yes, that's a little misleading and a waste of everyone's time.

On the other hand, it's fine to go knowing that this particular college is not your first choice. You're interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. If you go into the interview with an open mind, looking for what this particular place may have to offer that your first choice may not, looking at the professor as a potential mentor, then I would argue you should go.*

* At least, virtually. Right now you should probably avoid any unnecessary travel.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: russ_watters and PeroK

Similar threads

Job Skills Interviewing for a job with a PhD
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Physics Switching PhD schools: is it possible?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Job Skills Physics Careers: Expectations vs. Reality
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Physics Does a datascience job help in applying for PhD or physics scholarship
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
4K
Admissions Applying for Physics PhD in the UK 10 years after leaving Uni
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Job Skills Possibilities of a Career in Physics/Engineering
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
Physics How do I make myself a better job candidate?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
Physics Post-Bachelor's Struggles: Navigating the Job Market as a Physics Graduate
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
Job Advice Question: Physics PhD
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
What are the job prospects for a PhD in Physics in science policy?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K