Skype Interview with Professor

So, a professor (PI) finally replied your email:- “Hi, I'd like to chat with you to learn more about your interest” Congratulations. This chat is for them to connect the dot, see if there’s a fit & whether you will make a good candidate. 1/n

This thread gives an overview of the meeting and some questions you can/should ask PIs to show research curiosity.

N.B: Solely based on my OWN experience & not a general model: I’ve participated in 10 Ph.D. Interviews, submitted 4 (based on my interest) with 2 offers. 2/n

For reference, please see
https://twitter.com/Oludeewon/status/1284873001884954624?s=20
https://twitter.com/drhammed/status/1288092522527494144?s=20
https://twitter.com/Damola_Ak/status/1279286616650141697?s=20 3/n

@AnumahABD @Ijesha_canadian @Iam_MrPackagin, @SamuelArawu @Oludeewon @Damola_Ak

SO, LET'S GO.

1. The PI gives a brief overview of the lab, him/herself, current and past research- Here, the PI tells you everything you need to know (pertaining to the meeting). 4/n

2. Your turn- Please be specific. “I’m AB, my BSc was in Civil from ABC Uni, for my research under the supervision of Dr. James, I focused on nonlinearity of hydrological system & published in Elsevier journal or presented at DEF conference”. I use MATLAB, & R for modeling. 5/n

3. You will be asked what your Research Questions are and what you want to study for Ph.D.- prepare something specific to say here. (They know it may/will change and just hypothetical for now, but you need to show you both share similar questions). 6/n

4. If your research interest closely aligns (and the feeling is mutual), the PI will ask why you want to do Ph.D./M.Sc and why their lab- justify this with something substantial (your career goal for example). 7/n

Now, you will be given the chance to ask questions- Please you need to ask questions, and below are some questions you can ask PI during an interview (see disclaimer above please). 8/n

A. Nature of their current and future research. Will, there be a need for someone with your skills and background, will you be working on existing projects or have to develop your own projects with the PI
B. The PI expectation of his/her graduate students. 9/n

C. PI policy regarding publications with graduate students and after your Ph.D.- in particular, how many papers are you expected to have published from your research.
D. How long does it take, on average, for students to earn their Ph.D. degree there? 10/n

E. Funding (this might not be necessary bcos the PI should have mentioned it, if not, PLEASE ASK)
F. Past & current research (if not said before).
G. Are they open to another but similar study system, perhaps a similar project in another continent (if you get funding)? 11/n

H. Resources available in the lab
I. Life in that city (especially, accommodation)
J. I'll keep updating this as he spirits lead

With the above questions, you have engaged the PI, shows curiosity in what they do & shows you’re ready for the task ahead. 12/12