Graduate Schools

buttercup1958

Hey everyone!

I know a lot of you guys have gone through/are in graduate school. I have a phone interview with one of the schools I'm interested in. I've been typing up questions to ask tomorrow. Since most of you have either gone through this process or have done phone interviews I wanted to ask for you advice. I just want to make sure that I ask all the right questions. Also if you feel like my questions can be work on to sound better that would help too!

I was looking at the Museum Club webpage and I noticed they said the club by organizes exhibits and hosting public programs and events. I was wondering if the courses within the track may do this as well or does it happen more often from the club?

Second question: I noticed all the places I could possibly intern at and I was wondering if there is a limit on how many I can apply too/work at? Or is it a better decision to only one internship instead of two?

I saw in the Project Plan for a non-thesis plan there is a section that says minor hours. I’m working on a management minor now. It will be 15 credit hours. So would that affect that section at all or would I still need the nine hours?

I saw on the overview of the program section that it is possible to work as a graduate assistant. What would I have to do to be offered a position?

There were two organizations mention. How often do they come to campus and have talk/workshop sessions? Or is it more of a conference like GSA? I look at one of the organization's website and the last conference date I saw was in 2010 so I’m curious about the frequency of conferences as well. What is your experience with these organizations?

Is there anything that I'm missing? Thanks guys!

dcbride86

What type of grad school is it?  Full time or part time?  How many years does it take to complete?  I think the questions I would ask would depend on those things.

 

However, I would definitely ask about employment statistics, and what types of jobs recent grads are getting - are they jobs that require the degree you'll get, or are they jobs that "prefer" the degree?

If they're offering you a scholarship, ask about what (if any) requirements you must maintain to keep the scholarship.  If you have to be in the top ___% of the class or have a certain GPA, ask about any required curve and what the average scholarship retention rate is.

Blergbot

I'm sure you just quickly typed them up and that you wouldn't do it when speaking, but there are a few grammar mistakes in the questions (i.e. i look at one of the organization's website should read: I looked at one of the organization's websites). Just be super careful when e-mailing, etc.

I second asking about jobs statistics. Super important info, and it is important for you to not just ask questions that indicate what a good/motivated student you will be, but also that you are looking ahead, beyond the program at your future in the field.

I might also ask about funding for conferences through the program/department. This would show that you are interested in attending and participating in conferences, which would not only look good on your cv, but would be good for the department.

Best of luck!

buttercup1958

dcbride86  I will be going full time and those are great questions! I saw they listed the jobs graduates have gotten in the past but they don't say how long ago or which job openings happen more than others. They haven't offer me a scholarship but if they do I'll keep that in mind!

Blergbot Oh trust me, if this was an email I would have corrected those questions at least 3 times ha. I will definetlt ask about future job prospects. I didn't think to elaborate on the conference question, thanks!

snarkymaid

I'm not sure if it's the same across the board, but I'm currently applying to MBA programs and the number one piece of advice I've gotten is to not ask questions that can easily be answered by the website. For MBA programs, this includes job statistics, as every business school publishes an annual employment report. I would poke around the site some more and see if you can find anything like that for your intended school before asking the question. 

Some questions I've asked in interviews (which I understand may not be applicable to your case) have included:
- How does the program take advantage of the resources and opportunities afforded by the university as a whole? (I'm trying to pursue an MBA, but with a healthcare administration/operations focus, and wanted to know how each program works with the hospitals affiliated with the school/school of medicine, etc)

- What are the opportunities for experiential learning/global experiences in relation to my chosen track?

- What do you think makes someone the right fit for this program?

Good luck!

buttercup1958

@snarkymaid I actually did look at the website and they did have a list of jobs that graduate students have gotten but not the statistics for it. I wanted to make sure I didn't look lazy and didn't put in effort for this interview. I can't believe I forgot to include the last question!

snarkymaid

buttercup1958 said:

@snarkymaid I actually did look at the website and they did have a list of jobs that graduate students have gotten but not the statistics for it. I wanted to make sure I didn't look lazy and didn't put in effort for this interview. I can't believe I forgot to include the last question!

Totally understand - just wanted to make sure you had looked through everything! Business schools publish legit employment reports (mean and median salaries and bonuses, top companies, what % of the class goes into what industry and job function, geographic location - it's a LOT of data) but I'm not sure what information other types of programs publish or make readily available.

I like to ask the fit question because every school really is different and has its own culture, so I like to hear what the admissions officer thinks makes his/her program and students special. You should obviously have your own idea of what that answer is (through research, talking to students, visiting campus if possible) but it's always nice to hear that the admissions office is creating the type of class they mean to.

What sort of program are you looking at?

dcbride86

buttercup1958 said:

dcbride86  I will be going full time and those are great questions! I saw they listed the jobs graduates have gotten in the past but they don't say how long ago or which job openings happen more than others. They haven't offer me a scholarship but if they do I'll keep that in mind!

Blergbot Oh trust me, if this was an email I would have corrected those questions at least 3 times ha. I will definetlt ask about future job prospects. I didn't think to elaborate on the conference question, thanks!

@buttercup1958 - also ask how many, if any, jobs are funded by the school itself.  Because of the economy, a lot of schools create their own jobs for recent grads to boost their employment statistics.  And if you're hoping to do internships for credit, ask them how flexible they are with their internship requirements.

Good luck!

kat1114

I would also ask about how many graduates are working temp/permanent positions and part-time/full-time. Other than that, I think PPs covered it pretty well. Good luck!

buttercup1958

dcbride86 They seem very flexible with where I do my internship. They have a whole list of places that I could work at. They aren't flexible with how many hours I need which is 150. That sounds like a great idea to ask about their own jobs!

@kat1114 That sounds like a good idea too. I've been working part-time for 3 years now and I hope to increase my hours as I move further into my education.

bride2b71614

So wait, what type of program are you going for? I didn't catch what you wanted to study/what you're going to graduate school for...maybe its bad reading comprehension on my part (sorry in advance). 

There are a few things I would ask if I were in your position:

1) Do you require the GRE for admission? If so, what is the minimum score required for admission?

2) Would I have an advisor who will aid me in the process of choosing an internship?

3) Does your program offer a career center for their graduates? (I know that my school offers a center catered to our program that boosts resumes, creates and video tapes mock interviews, and helps us network. That being said, its very rare). 

4) Are there basic course requirements for first year students? 

5) Are there any clubs that cater specifically to your program?  **I ask this because certain graduate programs are VERY isolated, and there aren't many opportunities to socialize. While this should not be a priority, its something to think about. I know my school does not provide its student's with many opportunities to socialize with each other, and when I moved 8 hours away from my family and friends, it was really lonely for the first few months...again, something to think about, not necessarily important**

I would also take the time to visit the campus and speak to students who already attend the program. You can get a really good range of viewpoints who are not necessarily school sanctioned. So if you attend an orientation, you are going to get little Miss Enthusiastic who absolutely LOVES the school, and LOVES EVERYTHING about this program and cannot get enough. While enthusiasm is great, it doesn't necessarily provide you with a well rounded opinion. 

I wish you the best of luck! 

Keep us updated!

Edited: extra words.