Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around preparing for a PhD interview focused on designing an experiment related to sublimation on asteroids. Participants share advice and insights on how to approach the topic, given the limited time and knowledge of the original poster.
Discussion Character
- Homework-related
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses concern that those providing advice may be more qualified for the position than the original poster.
- Another participant questions the ethics of an employer giving such short notice for an interview, suggesting it may reflect poorly on the organization.
- A different viewpoint suggests that interviewers may intentionally ask difficult questions to assess candidates' reactions, such as their ability to handle uncertainty or propose methods for finding information.
- Participants recommend searching for recent research papers on sublimation and asteroid conditions, emphasizing that even basic knowledge of sublimation could be a starting point for the experiment design.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
There is no consensus on the appropriateness of the interview process or the best approach to prepare for the interview. Multiple competing views exist regarding the ethics of the employer's practices and the best strategies for responding to the interview question.
Contextual Notes
Participants highlight the challenge of preparing for a technical topic with limited time and knowledge, as well as the potential implications of the employer's short notice on the interview.