New answers tagged academic-life
1
You paint a pretty bad picture. I have no reason to doubt its accuracy. It is common enough to be worrying, but not universal. But, you haven't written any positive aspects - any upside. I suggest you consider whether there is an upside. If not, you would be well-advised to find another advisor or even a different institution.
Some advisors can be ...
4
Is it wise to just ignore and do my research independently and forget about her? I mean just considering having no advisor and do my own PhD by myself since she clearly stated that I should define my problem and I think I can solve a problem as long as she leaves me free and give me some time.
This is probably the worst thing you could do. In order to ...
1
First of all, you are not alone. Half the reason this forum exists is that getting a Ph.D. is an incredibly challenging endeavor. Funding security, compatibility with your advisor, relevance of the research topic-- all of this plays a big role in whether someone completes a Ph.D.
I probably don't have enough experience or might not think it through
but ...
2
Should I change my lab/advisor?
Yes. All your complaints suggest you have the wrong advisor.
0
How does this project fit with the PI's research goals? The answer may be surprising.
Do you think this project would lead to a publication? Is it possible this project would lead to a note or other short submission? If so, go for it. Even if you don't get the job, you can submit a paper.
If it is a throw-away project, I would avoid it, unless you need the ...
0
90 percent of our life circumstances are never under our own control and despite of that you have come this far. Always have a positive attitude and give your best. Enjoy every moment of your life as an interesting journey. Life is too short to be resentful.
6
My former PI used to give assignments to candidates he wasn't sure about but thought they might have potential. They would generally be small problems that he would then have one of his current students evaluate to see if 1) the general approach was reasonable and 2) how realistic their evaluation of their own progress was (e.g. knowing your results were ...
1
He took a break, but the comics are back now.
6
In the professional world there are plenty of interview processes that contain one or another way of skill assessment. That's pretty normal and not a way to devalue your general expertise but a matter of establishing whether your skills do fit the exact needs of the company and typically also if your way to apply them fits the company culture / type of ...
0
One suggestion I can provide is to try and make it to a, related to what you're interested in doing for a post-doc, conference and network. Hopefully present some good work and meet PI's you might be interested in working with, you're far more likely to get an interview or offer if they have a face to put with the application.
If it's too late for a ...
12
I find it a bit intriguing, actually. Though unusual. And, of course, if you object to it, move on now without another thought.
But perhaps she just wants to know how you will attack a new and fresh problem without the support you may have had in your studies. Or perhaps she and you are in a field in which a lot of opportunities pop up and there are ...
17
It is highly unusual. As you note, the PI has plenty of "standard" information (publications, recommendation letter, CV, etc.) that can be used to assess your potential as a collaborator and independent scientist. This is what most PIs will use in the hiring process. Some will ask you to give a seminar or do an interview by phone, video, or in person.
How ...
3
I think you have a few important questions. Foremost, I am assuming you know the language -- to what extent do you know Chinese culture? The transition will be very steep if you do not understand the cultural nuances of all aspects of living and working in China. Indeed, from a Western standpoint, the interactions between students and faculty are much ...
3
will it be a safer bet to reveal my research ideas for the next couple of years with them, which I believe are capable of publishing in academic conferences or journals?
This is the entire point of doing a PhD - you are supposed to share your ideas with your collaborators! If you deeply distrust your potential research group to the extent that you worry ...
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