meeting with potential PhD supervisor

lee_holloway

Hi guys

I'm meeting with a potential phd supervisor on thursday morning out in DCU.

i'm just looking for people's advice for the meeting. i have a few ideas about what i'd like to do with regards the phd but nothing concrete as to be honest, i dont have time to research more - final year etc.
i have a solid background academically - good grades throughout the degree and also won a prize in my subject for a project last year. i'm really motivated so a career in research really excites me. i'm hoping these will stand to me...

... but I am a bit nervous as i dont have a solid idea pinned down. i know that phd's change over time but I've had meetings with other potential supervisors and they seemed a bit peeved that I had a few ideas but nothing definite.

what are other people's experiences of these meetings? I'm thinking of bringing a CV and some references to look well organised

any advice/thoughts gladly welcome!
thanks

Tree

Bring a CV. Chances are the supervisor will have ideas for a project themselves, but coming with your own isnt a bad idea, they may get a better idea of what project to assign you too

H2G2

The single most important thing to do is be prepare (mentally) and give a credible account of yourself. You will need to demonstrate that your have the academic ability and very importantly is the passion/interest and motivation for research. Here are some typical questions they could ask you...

• What's your main motivation for pursuing research?
• Tell me a about your qualifications / background
• Have you published papers before
• Have you a track record in research?
• Are you self funded or are you looking for funding? (ie. scholarship).
• Do have you a specific research proposal in mind? If so what is it?
• What time frame for starting do you ideally have in mind?

So in addition to a CV, do you have a research proposal? If so bring it, even if its only a page or less. But be prepared to explain/justify yourself.

lee_holloway

thanks for your replies :pac:

i have a proposal - though it is broad and i hope thats not looked upon negatively. i have a stunner of a reference from a supervisor last year and my cv so i'll bring them along.

also one of the main reasons i want to go into research is because i am very motivated and independent, and feel strongly about the area i want to go into.

this whole phd process seems very uncertain...
people i talk to are all uncertain in terms of employment that they will go into after their research.

adamski8

doesnt the responsibity mainly fall to the supervisor to have the project outlined anyway

lee_holloway

the supervisor i have for my undergrad thesis wants me to formulate my own idea if i decide to stick with him for a phd.
i had a meeting with a lecturer out in maynooth who also wanted me to have a concrete idea and methodologies before january this year... which didn't happen!

so as far as my experience goes it seems you're on your own when it comes to a phd topic... i'm not quite sure if that is how it will go on thurs - this lecturer may have an idea for research she is interested to go with... but i have to cover all basis and have some sort of proposal or idea i want to explore to look interested in the area and not just a phd for the sake of it.

anyway in regards the subject i'm in your undergrad thesis often sets you up for a phd by way of your supervisor suggesting it as an area to explore further.

H2G2

adamski8 wrote: »

doesnt the responsibity mainly fall to the supervisor to have the project outlined anyway

Usually no. Most supervisors want to see students own ideas. Unless the supervisor has a funded project or a specific pet project they want done, otherwise don't reply them on them for all the ideas.