As a faculty member who gives talks on campuses from time to time, my favorite part of visiting a new place is meeting PhD students.
Usually, I meet them in one of two ways.
The first is the PhD student asks questions during a talk - sometimes respectfully and sometimes not.
Usually, I’m just happy they ask questions - bc it means - someone is interested in my talk.
I don’t worry about respect - bc usually the student has no idea why the question might be insulting.
The second is the Ph.D. Students are given an hour to ask questions in a group session. While most students will ask a question, one or two will stand out for being either authentic or inquisitive.
I love these sessions bc students will ask impossible questions about academic life that make me think.
Notably, many students either don’t ask questions or ask obvious questions.
The quiet ones worry me - bc they are failing to take advantage of a chance to meet someone external to their school.
The obvious ones don’t trouble me - bc they usually are grandstanding.
What is important, if you are a student and afforded a chance to meet a visitor, is that you a) take the time to get to know them & b) ask questions that help move your understanding of your field forward.
Seize the moment to get to know the visitor bc they can be your future editor, work at a hiring school, or introduce you to their community.
So how can you get to know someone? And be authentic? In what is an artificial situation?
First, relax.
Even if the visitor is your academic spirit animal, they are just another person. They won’t bite. So let your hair down a bit & enjoy the moment.
Second, be yourself.
Remember, faculty BS detectors are strong - so if you pretend to be something you aren’t - the visitor will figure it out - if not on that visit then the next time they see you.
Third, prepare a few questions.
I always remember the first person to ask a question. I always remember in a positive way a person that asks a well-thought-out question.
Fourth, don’t ask about the job market.
I am asked about this on every visit. I can’t predict the job market. No one can.
Fifth, do ask about skill development.
I remember the people that ask me for tacit knowledge. How do I collaborate? Where do my ideas come from?
You can even ask about the behaviors of the best job candidates - just don’t ask if the job market is hot.
Sixth, don’t say bad things about your school.
The few times a student has said bad things about their school or advisor are indelibly marked in my mind.
Finally, be honest.
Candor is prized in academe. You will be remembered.
In the end, don’t miss out on the opportunity to get to know someone new - it can have far-reaching career implications!
So stay calm and have some fun!
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