Before stepping into my final year, I applied for internships & apprenticeships, graduate schools, and some volunteering programs. I applied for internships as part of academic modules but I also wanted work experience, and that's why I considered applying for apprenticeships too. Having done all steps required, the final step to most of the applications I made was an interview.
And guess what? I googled tips for interviews and watched various videos on YouTube to get prepared to sit for an interview. I had to make sure that I master tips like:
- Be organized and on time,
- Think of questions,
- Dress appropriately and others.
While this was necessary and good, I found that it is not enough while preparing an interview for graduate schools and internships related to STEM fields. For example, while applying to one of the graduate schools, I had to do an interview and all they did was to ask me questions in class! I had to explain some concepts learnt in the 2nd year of my undergraduate studies.
The same thing happened when applying to the apprentice position in one of the organizations here in Rwanda. The position was about learning network protocols, Python development, and IoT (Internet of Things). During the interview, I was asked about Internet of Things tools (how they work and when they are used) and concepts in Python.
- I came to realize that while preparing to sit for an interview, you should do it as you prepare for written exams. We should be prepared to answer verbally, questions we used to answer using a pen. And, while other tips are important as well, we should also make sure that we are able to explain concepts as they were learnt in class.
I want to know from you: did you have an experience like this? Which tips have you found helpful? Leave a reply below!
Recent Comments
Hi Mary! such amazing reflections, can't wait to hear more about your project... & get to read your detailed report:)
Hi Jess! I am enjoying reading your progress! Like in week 2, you have been able to put into practice your new coding skills, THIS is huge!! And also it's so great that you keep the energy: being positive:) Can't wait to hear more!
Aww! Thanks, Jess:)
Hey, Edwards, thanks for sharing your research reflections:) Didn't it happen to you that when you realized that you first had to understand the existing materials brought you back and maybe slowed down your research? I mean I also had the same experience when I started my Laidlaw research: I thought that I was going to follow a straight path, read new materials and then implement my project. But, I noticed that it was very necessary to first understand the materials I was given in class before adding more and this somehow slowed down the process and implementation of my project (which made me think that I am not doing the right thing)... How did you just manage to first understand the existing materials and believe that it's what you should first do?
Yeah, I understand. That's so helpful.
Hey, Edwards, thanks for sharing your research reflections:) Didn't it happen to you that when you realized that you first had to understand the existing materials brought you back and maybe slowed down your research? I mean I also had the same experience when I started my Laidlaw research: I thought that I was going to follow a straight path, read new materials and then implement my project. But, I noticed that it was very necessary to first understand the materials I was given in class before adding more and this somehow slowed down the process and implementation of my project (which made me think that I am not doing the right thing)... How did you just manage to first understand the existing materials and believe that it's what you should first do?
Hi Hammad! What a great reflection! I enjoyed reading everything, thanks for sharing how you are constantly learning and how you are experiencing the positive change of mindset... This is so inspiring:)
Hi Ellen! Hope you recover soon and keep doing your project:) Are you still coding in ObserverXT?
Hi Jess! I am enjoying reading your progress! Like in week 2, you have been able to put into practice your new coding skills, THIS is huge!! And also it's so great that you keep the energy: being positive:) Can't wait to hear more!
Thanks a lot Cherry!! This is very helpful, the 3rd point is very important & I am going to need it in preparation of my final year project! Thanks for sharing:)