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An interview with a potential Amgen Scholars mentor is
very important, whether you do it in person (the best way), or
by e-mail or phone. Plan to spend some time with this step. Don't
wait until the last minute to begin this process. Rather than dropping
in, call or e-mail ahead to set up an appointment to talk with
a potential mentor so that he or she can set aside the time and
focus on your discussion. He or she will appreciate it, and it
will work to your ultimate benefit. Be sure to ask for library
references or websites you can read prior to your interview so
you can sharpen your questions.
This is your opportunity to find out what the project will be, why it is important,
and how you might approach it. It is also your chance to find out what it will
be like to work in a research group. If you have not previously done research,
the interview should help you form your expectations about what the mentor wants
from you and what you want from the experience. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! Your
research experience will be enhanced if you spend some time in this initial,
vital step!!
We suggest you ask some--or all--of the following questions when you contact
a mentor. You will impress the mentor and help him/her think more deeply about
your project. These questions are general guidelines; they are not a checklist.
Ask all the questions you can think of! After you talk to your mentor, think
about the discussion, and then go back and ask more questions.
Try to find out in detail what this project is. What is the science? What is
expected? What led to this question? Look up articles or literature references
about the project, especially articles by the mentor or members of the research
group. Read the articles and ask questions for clarification or further information.
What specific tasks are required to do this project? What course background or
skills do you need to do it? What is the likelihood of completing this project
in ten weeks? What equipment will you need to use? When will it be available
to you?
Ask whether you are a strong candidate for this project. (If you are not, you
may want to talk to other prospective mentors.)
Who will supervise you? Will you have a co-mentor? If so, has he/she been informed
you will work in the lab? How many other students have they supervised? How much
supervision will they be willing to provide? Ask to meet the co-mentor and ask
him or her the same questions. When your mentor/co-mentor is not available, who
else can answer questions or help you?
What is it like to work in this laboratory? Are students welcome at group meetings?
When are meetings? Seminars? Journal clubs? Could you start to attend group meetings
now as your time permits? Will you get a chance to present your work to the group
during the summer? Can you get a brief tour of the lab? When do people work?
How long are the days? Are deadlines important to the group?
Read, mark, and inwardly digest the information you get as you ask these questions.
Consider the mentor's responses--does he/she eagerly answer your questions? If
he/she seems hurried or distracted, ask whether there would be a better time
to discuss a possible project. When you have given thought to the project and
your interview, go back and ask more questions about the project; dig more deeply
into the science. After you think about your interview, consider whether you
want to work with this person on this project for ten weeks. If the answer to
that is "no," you may want to start the process with another potential
mentor.
Ask the mentor to review and comment on your proposal.
Interview guidelines were prepared by Carolyn Ash, Quondam Director, Student-Faculty
Programs.
