<p>I have brief undergrad research interview coming up in a couple weeks and I am nervous about what to expect. </p>
<p>When the prof emailed me he just said it would be a <20 minute talk so he could find out what I am thinking and what my goals are for the next few years.</p>
<p>I am just your typical freshman with no prior research experience, so..</p>
<p>---What could they ask an inexperienced beginner like me???? Its not like I have any knowledge of the field, I am a mere freshman in basic intro classes...</p>
<p>---What should I wear to the interview????</p>
<p>---What kinds of questions are good to ask???? I don't even know what undergrad research entails, and I don't want to look stupid asking questions like "what does undergrad research entail in your department?"</p>
<p>---Should I bring a resume or something??? I just have normal high school stuff like playing sports lol, I don't think he would care about that...</p>
<p>---How can I show that I am a eager/passionate learner who is reasonably intelligent if I don't even have a college GPA yet and I've never done research?</p>
<p>---Any tips on overcoming nervousness??? When I am nervous I act like a timid squirrely idiot (voice wavering and rambling on about stupid stuff)and it would make a very bad impression.</p>
<p>---Any general advice on nailing interviews like this??</p>
<p>Sorry for having so many questions but I feel this is a huge opportunity for me. I've never had an interview of any kind in my life and I have no idea what research looks like so naturally I'm pretty scared.</p>
<p>I’d be sure to look over the professor’s website and take a look at what sort of things they’ve published recently. Try to read through abstracts for various papers the group’s put out, so you can make informed comments on which projects you feel are more interesting to work on.</p>
<p>I’d dress wearing a decent shirt and some khakis (no popping of collars allowed). As long as you’re not wearing torn jeans and a t-shirt you’re already better dressed than some professors I knew.</p>
<p>thanks racinreaver, when you say a nice shirt do you mean like a button down shirt tucked in with dress shoes or a short sleeved polo shirt with regular shoes and khakis?</p>
<p>I have bad fashion so if you could give me like the exact recommended outfit down to the socks I would appreciate it cuz I would probably make a faux pas</p>
This is all I can think of right now, but the most important thing is to practice. Show them your motivation and drive. First impressions are important, so be sure to prepare well ahead of time by reading about the professor and the research. Good luck!</p>