In an increasingly crowded job market, it is nothing more natural for people to follow in search of differentials. If before graduation had a great weight, today it works as a basic prerequisite, making the candidates have to present something more.
The master’s degree has established itself as one of the main forms of specialization, since it is recognized in the corporate and academic environment, which makes a difference and so much. If you were interested and are thinking about choosing this path, then it is good to know that the selection process is not easy and requires a lot of preparation.
To make this step lighter, today we’ll cover how the Masters Interview works and everything you need to know to be properly prepared. Come on?
What is the most common form of the masters interview?
It is worth remembering that each university has the autonomy to create a selective process for the postgraduate area. Still, there is a more or less common pattern for many of them – and being prepared involves knowing all the details, is not it?
It begins with a written test, proof of proficiency in English, and curriculum analysis. Going through these first initial stages, the candidate finally passes for the master interview.
At that moment, a group of 3 or 4 teachers come together to listen and question the candidate about their research project. As the questions can vary a lot, it is natural that this period also varies, lasting from 10 to 30 minutes.
Teachers are aware of all the details, assessing the profile of each of the candidates. So it’s good to stay tuned and to prepare consistently because they want to realize that you have mastered the subject you are studying, the project is well structured, the level of motivation and the possibility of a scholarship.
What are the most common questions?
Now that you know that this is a decisive step to be successful, you must be wondering what the most common questions are, right? No need to worry, we’ve raised those points for you!
- Who are you?
This is usually the first question and works like a real icebreaker. Of course, with the nervousness, it is not always easy to talk about yourself in a few minutes (mainly knowing that you are being evaluated).
Try to demonstrate that you are an open, studious, committed person, but it is good to try to get away from the clichés more answers. Think you need something to stand out and stay in the minds of teachers, so try saying something different.
- What made you interested in our college?
This question is worth gold, so it’s good to be properly prepared to answer it. Here you have the chance to show that you have researched various colleges and yet have decided to apply for a specific one.
Alie the characteristics of college with your interests and intellectual perspectives, showing that it may be the best path to your professional development.
We do not have to say that it’s time to get away with material issues, like “I want to make money and those who have a graduate program here are reaching high places in the job market.” As we speak, focus on the intellectual aspect.
- Do you have any questions about this institution?
This is the kind of clichéd question that interviewers love to ask. Think that’s the chance they give you to ask something.
Analyze if you have any questions that deserve consideration, but consider before asking. If so, consider whether it is a relevant question for that moment, as this may not be the best time to ask.
Issues such as application deadlines, masters types, teacher information, and other details may be uninteresting (or easily clarified with an internet search). Show that you are interested in more specific questions about seminars, what they consider as a postgraduate strength, and other details of that level.
- Which line of research did the master’s degree follow?
If you think this question is silly, it’s good to know that it’s a great way to earn a few points. You can demonstrate that you have researched some possible strands of your own project and know the most common lines used by that institution.
As you may realize, this is a very technical issue, but it also represents a good opportunity to score some points with the bench.
- Why is this subject important?
You’re presenting a project, right? But have you stopped to wonder why it is really relevant to society? Think about this and make people realize that what you are proposing is a real differential.
This is a very important moment because it is the chance to show why your project should be accepted and the impacts it can bring. Believe me: you can be approved if you can be very convincing on this issue.
- Do you intend to contribute to the campus community?
That’s another interesting question and it’s good to be specific. Think about some skill you have that could be a differential right now. It is interesting to demonstrate that you will be able to diversify that environment – something valuable to many universities.
- Who was the greatest influencer in your life?
This is the traditional “Who is your hero?” Question, but it allows you to explore reference skills that you would like to incorporate. Well, the important thing is to know how to respond. Identify the personalities you admire and think about what made you feel that feeling for them.
- Have you overcome some challenge you would like to share?
This is a great way for the bank to see if you are a problem solver or not, so take this “sell” question. Demonstrate how you deal with this type of situation and give a concrete example.
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
This question is getting more and more common and reveals a lot about the candidate. It is good to remember that the study is very important, but life goes beyond that. Show at this point that you are a person who interacts and has several interests.
How can I prepare efficiently?
In order to achieve good results at the time of the interview, we brought here behavioral and academic issues that deserve attention. Keep an eye on each one and boost your chances.
Before the presentation itself, it is vital to read and reread your research project, as this is a way of basing and mastering everything you are presenting. You should do summaries, have the contents at the tip of the tongue and be able to explain the most common questions as well as possible doubts.
There is no escape: during the interview, you will realize that several questions will arise about your project. Teachers ask to assess your ability to defend you by showing how familiar and engaging you are with the subject.
They may question, for example, about the methodology or statistical analysis, very common points in the interviews. This is a great opportunity to convey the firmness that you can carry out the project and solve any problems that arise during the execution period.
Learn the authors that influenced your research
This is an opportunity to make a flashback and remind you of the authors who most influenced you in the process of designing the project. There is usually a group of authors who are responsible for inspiring the beginning, and then we begin to get in touch with others with totally divergent positions.
Knowing these details is one way of demonstrating that your research is well founded and that you have already taken a few steps in the direction of your research.
Choose a formal and comfortable clothing
Some people go to the bank with casual clothes totally inappropriate for the occasion. Of course you do not have to go in a suit, but being in the right clothes for that moment is crucial.
Added to this, be sure to opt for a comfortable model. Feel that you can move freely, and you can breathe and gesture easily. Believe: it makes all the difference!
Research on the academic profile of banking people
Most of the time, you will know the team of teachers who will be on your bench some time in advance. Who is prepared takes advantage of this information to know a little more about each teacher and the line of research that he usually “defend”.
Think that some questions may arise just in this line, so it is good to understand all these strands to be properly prepared.
Keep in Mind a Career Plan
Determine what steps you want to take for your career and how the MSc can help this. If you want to specialize in some subject, for example, this is a good alternative.
In addition, if you are interested in following the academic career, teaching or acting in research, the master’s degree also plays a key role.
The important thing here is to plan and understand how it fits into that career plan and what kinds of results it can bring to you.
Train the speech
Knowing how to speak well and in an eloquent way can also open many doors, so it’s good to prepare. It does not matter if you are shy: it is possible to develop this skill with much training, giving foundation to your answers. So you can demonstrate that you are properly prepared to enter the masters degree.
Show that you speak another language
Many of the materials or texts shared by teachers are in other languages, especially in English. To show that you will not be tight and will be able to follow the program, show that you speak another language.
This is a way to demonstrate that you will follow the course, do in-depth research (since some materials are not even translated) and follow everything that is suggested in the classroom.
Study about the institution
We have touched on this before, but it is critical to know the institution to which you are applying. Think of it as a way to value the place and show that you bothered to know a little more about it.
Show confidence in your work history
Professional history is also covered during the interview and it is crucial to demonstrate that you see great value in your career. Show how experiences have allowed you to increase your perception of your area of expertise and to evolve as a professional.
Experiences and varied knowledge are great differentials and can add to the whole class in which you study.
Adapt the presentation
Feeling the mood of the teachers who are evaluating you is half way to success. If this team is more austere, for example, it is good to take a more serious and succinct way. On the other hand, if they have a more laid-back profile, you can take advantage to be more loose, conversational and uninhibited as well.
What’s more, be very humble right now. Nobody likes to realize that they are being passed on, which will be said by a team of bankers. Do not try to fool them, throw clean.
If you do not know the answer to a question, for example, assume you do not know and be frank when you say you expect to learn from the people on the bench.
Be detailed with each topic
The more detailed you are, the more likely you are to be able to clearly tell everything you want to do. This makes it easier for you to understand and explain the reasons for each behavior.
Demonstrate motivation
To close, we could not stop exploring this aspect. Because it is a more intense course, it is fundamental that teachers perceive motivation in the master interview.
Of course, time and time again you will want to throw everything up, but it is good not to show uncertainty as this is negatively assessed. So, make sure you are able to complete your research project and that the course is critical to your career.
Once you have a complete picture on the masters interview and how to prepare for it, be sure to put these tips into practice. So you get even closer to this wave which is a real dream.