What should I ask a potential PhD supervisor?

Ask about their expectations regarding working hours, flexibility, and how they support the well-being of their students. This information is valuable for maintaining a healthy and sustainable research journey.

How to prepare for a meeting with a potential PhD supervisor?

Be prepared.

This requires having things gathered that your potential advisor may need/want (like your resume or personal statement) and things that you would want (like notes on the advisor and a way to take notes during the interview). It also helps to check and double-check the exact details of your meeting.

How do I talk to a potential PhD supervisor?

When you are ready to contact potential supervisors, approaching them by email is a good initial step. Ensure that your messages are tailored to each professor, not generic. You must catch the interest of the professor quickly and make a good first impression. Write a concise and professional letter.

How do I impress a potential PhD advisor?

The ability to articulate why you are interested in a certain research topic, theme, or paper in your own words (i.e. what you find exciting, how your interests grew from past experiences, why that topic is important) is what advisors are looking for.

What to consider when choosing a PhD supervisor?

A good PhD supervisor has experience overseeing PhD students through to completion, has a strong publication record, is active in their research field, has enough time to provide adequate supervision, is genuinely interested in your project, can provide mentorship and has a supportive personality.

5 Questions You Must Ask Your Potential PhD Supervisor

What are some signs you have a bad PhD advisor?

When should you contact a potential PhD supervisor?

The earlier the better. As soon as you're confident, even if not 100% sure, that you want to pursue a PhD start drafting your proposal. Once your proposal is complete send a copy to 3 to 5 potential supervisors and ask for feedback.

How do I prepare for my first meeting with a PhD advisor?

Take notes and ask questions. Don't be afraid of concepts that may come up on in conversation that are unfamiliar to you. Show your interest and curiosity for what they do, which will provide context for you to describe your interests in working with them. Review the notes you took during your first meeting.

How do you nail a PhD interview?

How do you know if a PhD advisor is good?

Advisor Style & Expectations

◻ Does the advisor consider themselves a 'hands-on' or 'hands-off' advisor? ◻ How does the advisor give feedback on papers/what is their feedback style? ◻ How often does the advisor meet with their students? [1:1 or all together? Daily guidance by PI or post-doc?]

What is expected of a PhD supervisor?

Guide and support you through all of the stages of candidature and ensure that you have access to necessary resources and facilities to complete your research project. Assist you to develop your research topic, questions, methodology, and milestones required for successful completion.

What should I discuss in my first meeting with my PhD supervisor?

When I have a meeting with potential supervisors, I try to keep it short and simple, but here are what I usually mention: Summary of past research experience and a notable project. I summarize what I do in that project; objective and outcome of the project.

What not to do in a PhD interview?

⛔️ Be vague

Respect their time, and do NOT be vague with your answers. Be clear. It is ok not to know the answer to a question you've been asked. In all likelihood, the professors taking your interview might discuss and take you through the answer with you, starting at a point YOU are comfortable with.

How long is the average PhD interview?

The purpose of this interview is to know more about your academic background and research interests. The professor will use the information to determine whether you are suitable to join their research group. The interview is normally about 30 to 40 mins.

Are PhD interviews a formality?

Some universities will accept you in the first round, and the interview process is approached as a formality. Others are trying to assess “good fit” before offering you a position in their program. As you can imagine, the more competitive the program is, the more difficult the interview process will likely be.

What I wish I knew before doing a PhD?

How often should I meet with my PhD supervisor?

The typical frequency is about once per week, and the usual topics of discussion includes update on your research activities since the last meeting, where you are stuck or what step you are currently on, what do you want to next, show your data and analysis, brainstorming ideas you thought of in the week, etc.

What should I ask my thesis supervisor at my first meeting?

It is very much essential for you to ask your thesis supervisor about their working method. During the first meeting with your Dissertation supervisor, you should ask them about their expectation from researchers or scholars whom they are guiding.

Is your PhD supervisor your boss?

Regardless of the nature of the doctoral program, the role of a PhD supervisor usually switches between being your boss as well as mentor in the same workplace. Similarly, depending upon the situation, you may be required to act as a student/mentee as well as an employee at different points in your doctoral journey.

What not to ask a PhD?

What is the failure rate of PhD students?

Drop out rates vary by discipline, but as many as 50 percent of students don't complete their doctorate. In order to succeed, you must understand what's at stake—and what's expected of you—then develop a plan that you can stick to.

What is the failure rate for PhD?

The percentage of students who don't complete their PhD varies hugely; some institutions report as high as 71% and some as low as 9%. The PhD non-completion rate depends on many factors, such as the subject or department you are studying in, your age and whether you have a good mentor.

What are the most common reasons for rejecting PhD program applicants?

How do I know if my PhD interview went well?

What is the dress code for PhD interview?

I'd say smart trousers and a plain white shirt (maybe with a tie) will be fine. I am a also a science student and I can tell that "smart dress" is what undergrads, masters, PhD students, lecturers (etc), usually wear. Therefore they don't expect you to be extremelly well-dressed.