I'm accepted as a PhD student. Interview for funding/RA -- Any Advice?

[Rlaneholliday]

First post, so I'm not entirely sure if this is the right place to post this.
I have been accepted as a PhD student at the Stevens Institute of Technology. It's my ideal institute as my area of interest is in nanofabrication/nanophotonics and their lab is top tier in this regard. I was not offered funding upon my acceptance, instead I will be "interviewing" for an RA position under Dr. Strauf (the head of the Nanophotonics Lab). I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar experience? If so, what can I expect? I have been asked to present my past research to the group (which is in low energy, heavy ion implantation (not exactly applicable to the work done in the lab)), and to follow up on published work that he has sent me. I can give more info about the situation if you'd like.
Thank you!

 

[trurle]

First post, so I'm not entirely sure if this is the right place to post this.
I have been accepted as a PhD student at the Stevens Institute of Technology. It's my ideal institute as my area of interest is in nanofabrication/nanophotonics and their lab is top tier in this regard. I was not offered funding upon my acceptance, instead I will be "interviewing" for an RA position under Dr. Strauf (the head of the Nanophotonics Lab). I was wondering if anyone else has gone through a similar experience? If so, what can I expect? I have been asked to present my past research to the group (which is in low energy, heavy ion implantation (not exactly applicable to the work done in the lab)), and to follow up on published work that he has sent me. I can give more info about the situation if you'd like.
Thank you!

I had the same flow during my PhD/RA age. Basic idea is what you must be demonstrably helpful in the lab in the period between PhD acceptance and RA interview. Past experience is largely irrelevant - research area mismatch just give a convenient excuse to do not grant you RA position if you are not helping in lab.

 

[Rlaneholliday]

I had the same flow during my PhD/RA age. Basic idea is what you must be demonstrably helpful in the lab in the period between PhD acceptance and RA interview. Past experience is largely irrelevant - research area mismatch just give a convenient excuse to do not grant you RA position if you are not helping in lab.

Thank you for your response! I may have miscommunicated in my original post, I am not currently attending their institute. I am in my final semester as an undergraduate in Texas and the Institute is in New Jersey. I'm interviewing for funding before even accepting the institutes admission offer.

I hope this clears things up!