<p>Hello peeps. So I'm a bit nervous. I contacted a faculty member from a University that I'm applying to. The professor is a part of the admissions committee for the phd program that I'd like to be accepted to and is the faculty member whose interests match my own. Turns out that this faculty member will be in my area soon and proposed a meeting. Of course I agreed but I am nervous.</p>
<p>What should I go to meet them prepared to talk about? Of course I want to talk about my interests and I may have a few questions, but am I actually trying to sell myself at this stage? Do I want to go on and on about why I'm a good candidate or is this just a good opportunity for her/him to get to know me? If so, what should I mostly talk about, assuming he/she won't be asking all of the questions or directing the conversation alone?</p>
<p>I would use this as an opportunity to see how you would fit in working with this professor. Ask questions about their work and describe your own experiences when asked. If things seem to be going well, then of course you’re going to want to start selling yourself. But really, both of you are going to be feeling each other out in terms of whether you will work well together. This doesn’t sound like a formal interview if they’re in town and just want to meet you. But you still want to be the best you can in terms of first impressions and having questions planned ahead of time.</p>
<p>You could also ask about the program as a whole, where his/her students end up getting jobs, etc.</p>
<p>If you have time, read some of his most recent journal articles so you can talk about his research. He will ask you questions about your experience, your interests, etc., but he will also want to get a feel for how well you know the field and his particular niche. Don’t worry – he won’t expect you to wow him or to be on a par with his graduate students. Instead, he wants to see your intellectual engagement and to learn a little about you.</p>
<p>You will sell yourself by asking knowledgeable questions, being articulate about your own experience, and expressing your goals. You may want to be prepared with answers to the questions, “Why graduate school?” and “Why this program?”</p>
<p>^Thanks a lot guys, I’m a little less nervous now. The meeting does appear to be informal but I agree that first impressions are key so I appreciate the advice!</p>
<p>I don’t know how much he’ll expect you to talk about yourself. In almost every interview/meeting that I’ve experienced, the boss or professor talks more about themselves than I get to talk about myself. Remember scientists **love **talking about *their *work and *their *problems, and not so much yours, so don’t be surprised if all you have to do is sit back and nod. Lol.</p>
<p>What denizen says is true, so you should definitely make time to hunt down this professor’s most recent published articles and at least give them a skim. You’ll probably be expected to talk about yourself a bit, but in the context of how your interests and previous experiences fit within the department and with that professor’s work.</p>