What questions to ask during first meeting of researcher and supervisor?

Many of you who are new to research like me, might wonder what you should be asking your researcher during your first meeting. This article is helpful to only those who selected their supervisor and are going to meet formally for the first time to discuss the start of the research work. Here is the list of questions compiled to ask your supervisor/advisor on your first meeting:

1.       Are you allowed to choose the research area/sub-area/problem? Or would you be working on the area/sub-area/problem suggested by the supervisor?

2.       What kind of resources are available for researchers in the lab?

3.       What kind of projects/research problems currently the supervisor is working on / interested in?

4.       Are there are any collaboration opportunities in the lab? Or would you be working individually?

5.       What are the broad areas of research that you should confine yourself?

6.       How frequently(weekly/monthly) should you meet your supervisor?

7.       What is the general process of research (Research plan) followed by the researchers in the lab?

8.       What are the supervisor’s expectations for researchers in the lab? Any advice on what kind of students will succeed according to him? Any success path that the researcher personally think is better?

9.       Fix the date and time for the next meeting.

10.   What mode of communication is preferred to get feedback on the research?

Some other tips:

1.       Read about the background of the supervisor and the lab prior to the meeting.

2.       Talk to other members of the lab and ask them what to expect

You can prioritize the questions based on your choice and always don’t hesitate to ask questions to your supervisor.

References:

1.       https://www2.le.ac.uk/departments/doctoralcollege/training/eresources/study-guides/supervision/meetings/during

2.       https://blog.ml.cmu.edu/2020/03/02/questions-to-ask-a-prospective-ph-d-advisor-on-visit-day-with-thorough-and-forthright-explanations/

 

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