Dinner with Faculty Adviser during visit day

juillet
Sat, 08 Feb 2014 21:05:32 +0000

They’re usually pretty informal. You’ll still being evaluated, but try to relax and have a normal conversation - they’ll probably ask you about your research interests, but also about every day hobbies and activities and your life in general. If you’ve made it to the interview stage, the PI is trying to see if you are a good fit for her lab in general.

Answers to the alcohol question will vary. Some people will say it’s fine, and others will say it’s not. In my department on prospectives weekend, we have a house party with plenty of beer and wine and the prospectives indulge (in moderation) and it’s fine. Nobody judges. I also went to an interview weekend for a postdoc recently and had wine with my potential PIs, and I got the job. But I’ve heard other people give the advice to never ever ever indulge. I think it’s up to you and depends on the circumstances - if he orders a bottle for the table and it’s just you two, have a small glass I suppose if you feel comfortable. Or if there are several other people from the lab and every else is getting a glass, then go ahead. But if he does not, don’t order anything. (One trick is when the waiter comes to the table, say you’re still thinking about your meal so that he goes first.)

This, of course, assumes that you are of age. And I would recommend limiting it to 2 beers/glasses.