Candidate Information Session 2024
- 1. Candidate Information Session Professor Emma Kidd and Dr Giovanni Biglino January 2024
- 2. • An overview of the GW4 and recruitment process • Introduction to the interview format and processes on the day • How to prepare yourself for your interview • Hints and tips • FAQs Today
- 4. Student Journey Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Thesis PhD begins Industry Other destinations Academia Non-biomed/ Diversity Outreach Anonymised shortlisting Selection by excellence (no quotas) Placement HEI community Theme community Whole DTP Broadening Horizons Transition To Post Doc “Prep”
- 5. • Passion for academic study, curious to question • Resilience and determination • Evidence of ability to overcome challenges and independently find solutions to problems • Highly self-motivated What are we looking for in our applicants?
- 6. • Critical thinking ability: • Tell us about your piece of data, think about what is important for us to know to understand that data, how does it fit with the bigger picture of the work? • How do you fit with your first-choice project and our DTP? • Your personal motivation What are we looking for in the interview?
- 7. • Please contact the lead supervisor of the projects that you have applied for • Please send us a piece of data to share at your interview, plus your transcripts and references by midday on Friday, 19th January 2024 • The figure should be of data you have analysed, • be no more than 1 A4 page (1 side), • one element or process/schematic is perfectly acceptable but can be up to 4 panels • a figure legend of up to 100 words may be added • you should not assume that interviewers have read the legend or have knowledge of the experimental approach. Data Analysis
- 8. • There will be 3 or 4 panel members on the interview panel. Due to time restraints, they will not introduce themselves to you as we want to prioritise hearing from you! • One panel member will be chairing and will lead the conversation • They will each ask one or two questions • The interview will last approx. 30 mins • You will be asked to share your data on screen • ‘Tell us about your piece of data, how does it fit with the bigger picture of the work?’ • You will have a maximum of 5 mins to describe your data, with questions to follow from the interviewers. • You will be informed of some of the other questions 2 days ahead of the interview The Interview Process
- 9. • Think about the data you have provided. How can you introduce it to the panel succinctly? • Speak to your potential supervisors • Make the most of this meeting by preparing • Use it to ensure you are confident that this is the project for you • Think about the project, read around the project area • Where does your project fit into the wider topic area? • You will be provided with SOME of the interview questions in advance. • DO NOT contact your supervisor about these questions. • DO your own thinking/research The Interview Process
- 10. • Your PhD goals • Why this PhD program? • Your research interests • Important issues in your theme • Relevant experiences or challenges • How you fit with your target PhD project • Questions about the PhD program • Life as a PhD student The Interview Process
- 11. • Be on time • Spend time with out current students in the ‘virtual coffee room’ • Test out zoom in advance and sharing your data on screen • Use the best internet you can access • Have a plan B if your internet is shaky • Find the quietest place you can away from interruptions • Use a room with good light and think about your background and distractions • Silence your phone • Turn off notifications • Maintain your focus Getting Ready
- 12. • Have a glass of water near by • Brain fog • Happens to everyone, stay calm • Take a deep breath and try and relax your body • Refocus • Ask them to repeat the question • Preparation will help • Prepare the given questions, not just what you will say but also how Getting Ready
- 13. • Do you want transcripts or references? • You must submit your transcripts by midday on Friday, 19th January 2024 • Referees should submit their references directly to the DTP team (no set word limit or format) and you should arrange this, also by midday on Friday, 19th January 2024. • What happens if someone else is offered my first-choice project? • You are offered your second choice if you put one, if not, or this project has already been taken, you will not be offered a place. • Should I speak to the potential supervisor about the project? • Yes, you will have been invited to contact your potential supervisor • Discuss your background and project/the prep period • Your potential supervisor plays no part in the interview process • Can I do my PhD remotely? • MRC requires you to live in proximity to your primary institution • We expect you to attend all cohort building events and to benefit from local activities within your group/department to enhance your PhD experience FAQ
- 14. • I am an international student; will I have to pay more in fees? • No, the Institutions will cover the additional cost of international fees, but you will be required to cover the costs of your student visa, healthcare surcharges and all other costs of moving to the UK. • I have disabilities and need support to complete a PhD • If you have ANY specific needs around the interview process, please let us know in advance so that we can support you • All 4 institutes have student support services who can assist you and help you apply for a disability support allowance to fund any adjustments that are required. • Can I do a PhD part time? • Yes, for the same % stipend and this extends the time commensurate with the reduced hours. This may depend on the nature of the project and will be agreed with the supervisor. • Is there support for students from LGBTQ+ or minority ethnic backgrounds? • Yes, all institutes have support groups, and we are keen to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access the DTP, particularly those from minoritized groups. FAQ
- 15. A quick reminder of dates: • Speak to your potential supervisors for your first (and second) choice project before midday on Friday, 19th January 2024. • Provide your sheet of data to GW4 team by midday on Friday 19th January 2024 • You will receive an email giving you some of the questions that will be in the interview 2 days before your interview. Do NOT contact your potential supervisor after Friday 19th January 2024. • This webinar is repeated on Wednesday 10th January at 10.00am and Thursday 11th January at 2.30pm. Thank you