Graduate student steps outside comfort zone.
“Every day, do something that scares you,” urges a song I heard once. Last month, I filled my quota for a long time. As part of my mentoring programme, I went for a mock job interview at a government agency. Questions ranged from the traditional strengths-and-weaknesses to testing my knowledge on politics.
In my answers, I tried to remember what people have told me about selling the PhD as a proof of your abilities rather than a scientific piece of work. Don't call yourself a researcher or scientist — rather say that you have experience in planning and realizing large projects. Don't say you're good at lab work — describe yourself as meticulous and patient. Beware of sounding arrogant. Sadly, one of the prevailing prejudices against PhDs is that they are stuck-up specialists. Show them you can think broadly and be a team player.
The interview was stressful but ultimately rewarding. Although my guess on a budget question was €35 million (US$43 million) off, the interviewers said they liked my ability to think analytically and see the big picture, both products of my graduate education. It was a real boost to see I may be employable.
And the little budget mistake? Well, knowing how to find the facts is more important than actually knowing them by heart. At least, that's what I tell myself. If anybody else shares my opinion that €35 million don't matter, just send the money to me.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Bargum, K. Selling the PhD. Nature 440, 966 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7086-966c
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nj7086-966c