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jebbypalWell, figured I'd do this to prove to myself how much I've learned in grad school. Also thought I'd post it for those of you continuing your education...especially if it has anything to do w/ the sciences. Though of course, alot of it can probably be applied elsewhere.
1) Before interviewing potential bosses, make sure you know at least the basics, if not specifics, about their field, publications, work. I ignored this mostly because I have such a problem maintaining focus when I hear something repeated that I already know/read. In retrospect, it's important to do to be able to weed out bosses who truly know nothing about their field and are just bsing. So try to at least do enough research to come up w/ three critical questions to ask them to test (helpful if you know the caveats/answers to the questions yourself). Of course, difficult to do if you don't have much experience in the field like me.
2) The five year question. This is actually a piece from business that I didn't initially see it's application to science. Important to ask the boss what their vision for their lab/department/business is in 5, 10, 15 yrs etc. W/in that five year plan that they lay out for you, then ask "And what role do you forsee for me in that?" If you like answers that say that you would determine that for yourself, beware. Do you have the experience/knowledge/self motivation to truly serve that role completely for yourself? Or do you prefer a mentor who can actually provide the guidance? Initially, I liked the open ended answer I received from Youhai because I hate the feeling that someone is looking over my shoulder 100% of the time. However, I now hate someone who only does it 5% of the time just as much. Also an open ended question makes you wonder how much inner knowledge of the work the boss truly has.
3.) What amount of time committment is realistically expected for the majority of the time? A difficult one to work into conversation w/out looking like a slacker, but very important. I've always maintained the attitude that I'm not currently paid enough to work every waking minute. Course, I probably take that attitude a little too far. But still, what can you deal w/ giving? I'm probably almost borderline add in that I can't focus on one thing all the time. I do get obsessive, but I do my best work in spurts. Always have. I still prefer to write even long term papers all in one go simply because that's the only way I've ever been successful. As long as I don't get complaints, well, you know. Conversely, if there is a need for me to put in lots of late nights occassionally, fine, But I can't do it a majority of the time.
4) Feedback and Communication Okay, here's my failing: I generally suck at picking up on subtle cues or body language. If you are like me, include in the discussion a question on exactly how positive and negative feedback are given -- will it be instataneous? Quarterly? Or do they have a thing against giving negative feedback and leave you to determine yourself when you fail? Also important is to know how you respond to feedback in both forms. If being balled out in front of a number of co-workers on a regular basis really freaks/upsets you, state it up front. There will always be exceptions, but I think it helps to know ahead of time (if possible. Obviously these things don't work well if you are being interviewed by an HR director).
5) speak to people in the work environment if at all possible And the followup to that is pay attention if there is something that it seems they aren't saying as well as their body language. This is the hardest part to me simply because I distrust my first instincts so much. Can you work with these people? Do they expect your social life to revolve/involve coworkers? What is policy on people w/ children -- for me, the question I should have asked is are people allowed to bring their children to work rather than pay for day care. Hopefully this won't be something I ever have to deal w/ again (Sorry, if your kid has the flu, I don't want him in the area I eat my lunch!! Additionally, it gets really annoying to have 5 kids under 12 running around the break areas for 3 months during the summer).
6) is everything accomplished democratically? Trust me, there is nothing worse than having this type of environment at work. Simple matters end up being discussed for hours in lab meetings w/ next to nothing ever resolved. It is much better for a boss to recognize when they should deliver an ultimatum/order rather than having everything voted on. Additionally, if there are assigned chores in the workspace, find out if they are actually ever accomplished.
7) How do other people in the school/company view your potential boss? Obviously again something easier done in the university environment. A disturbing thing I've discovered over the years is that next to no one really knows my boss unless they've collaborated w/ him. Not good when I'm a member of one of the smallest graduate groups on campus.
I think that's about it. Hopefully all this knowledge actually helps someone before they make some of the mistakes I have. God knows I'm going to review it again before I go on an interview!!! Also, if you know something I haven't included here, feel free to comment. I'll take any and all advice before I embark on my next job hunt!!
1) Before interviewing potential bosses, make sure you know at least the basics, if not specifics, about their field, publications, work. I ignored this mostly because I have such a problem maintaining focus when I hear something repeated that I already know/read. In retrospect, it's important to do to be able to weed out bosses who truly know nothing about their field and are just bsing. So try to at least do enough research to come up w/ three critical questions to ask them to test (helpful if you know the caveats/answers to the questions yourself). Of course, difficult to do if you don't have much experience in the field like me.
2) The five year question. This is actually a piece from business that I didn't initially see it's application to science. Important to ask the boss what their vision for their lab/department/business is in 5, 10, 15 yrs etc. W/in that five year plan that they lay out for you, then ask "And what role do you forsee for me in that?" If you like answers that say that you would determine that for yourself, beware. Do you have the experience/knowledge/self motivation to truly serve that role completely for yourself? Or do you prefer a mentor who can actually provide the guidance? Initially, I liked the open ended answer I received from Youhai because I hate the feeling that someone is looking over my shoulder 100% of the time. However, I now hate someone who only does it 5% of the time just as much. Also an open ended question makes you wonder how much inner knowledge of the work the boss truly has.
3.) What amount of time committment is realistically expected for the majority of the time? A difficult one to work into conversation w/out looking like a slacker, but very important. I've always maintained the attitude that I'm not currently paid enough to work every waking minute. Course, I probably take that attitude a little too far. But still, what can you deal w/ giving? I'm probably almost borderline add in that I can't focus on one thing all the time. I do get obsessive, but I do my best work in spurts. Always have. I still prefer to write even long term papers all in one go simply because that's the only way I've ever been successful. As long as I don't get complaints, well, you know. Conversely, if there is a need for me to put in lots of late nights occassionally, fine, But I can't do it a majority of the time.
4) Feedback and Communication Okay, here's my failing: I generally suck at picking up on subtle cues or body language. If you are like me, include in the discussion a question on exactly how positive and negative feedback are given -- will it be instataneous? Quarterly? Or do they have a thing against giving negative feedback and leave you to determine yourself when you fail? Also important is to know how you respond to feedback in both forms. If being balled out in front of a number of co-workers on a regular basis really freaks/upsets you, state it up front. There will always be exceptions, but I think it helps to know ahead of time (if possible. Obviously these things don't work well if you are being interviewed by an HR director).
5) speak to people in the work environment if at all possible And the followup to that is pay attention if there is something that it seems they aren't saying as well as their body language. This is the hardest part to me simply because I distrust my first instincts so much. Can you work with these people? Do they expect your social life to revolve/involve coworkers? What is policy on people w/ children -- for me, the question I should have asked is are people allowed to bring their children to work rather than pay for day care. Hopefully this won't be something I ever have to deal w/ again (Sorry, if your kid has the flu, I don't want him in the area I eat my lunch!! Additionally, it gets really annoying to have 5 kids under 12 running around the break areas for 3 months during the summer).
6) is everything accomplished democratically? Trust me, there is nothing worse than having this type of environment at work. Simple matters end up being discussed for hours in lab meetings w/ next to nothing ever resolved. It is much better for a boss to recognize when they should deliver an ultimatum/order rather than having everything voted on. Additionally, if there are assigned chores in the workspace, find out if they are actually ever accomplished.
7) How do other people in the school/company view your potential boss? Obviously again something easier done in the university environment. A disturbing thing I've discovered over the years is that next to no one really knows my boss unless they've collaborated w/ him. Not good when I'm a member of one of the smallest graduate groups on campus.
I think that's about it. Hopefully all this knowledge actually helps someone before they make some of the mistakes I have. God knows I'm going to review it again before I go on an interview!!! Also, if you know something I haven't included here, feel free to comment. I'll take any and all advice before I embark on my next job hunt!!