Missouri University of Science and Technology Interview Questions
& Process

The main thing for a research assistant role is connecting with a professor who has a research project and funding. You need to understand their project and research area. Also, show you know about or are keen to learn their research interests. The interview itself isn't super critical, more of a formality. It's really about the connection you've made with the professor and the impression you've left. I got my role because I was a great student in this professor's class and talked to them a lot. My interview was with two professors running grant-funded research. We talked about my resume, my research interests and techniques, my future education goals, and my organizational abilities. It was pretty laid-back. But, interviews can differ a lot based on the department and professor.

The interview took place in a meeting room. The Directors initially met with me and asked about my previous experience, also discussing the day-to-day tasks associated with this role. Subsequently, other department members joined, and we all interviewed together, during which they posed some situational questions.

To get a Graduate Teaching Assistant position, you first need to email professors about openings and attach your resume. If they're interested, they'll reply. After that, you have to complete a teaching workshop to get an official offer. The results of this workshop are sent to the department you'll be working in. Then, the department assigns students to available positions based on their workshop grades.

The interview process involved a full day of meetings. Initially, I met with faculty members, followed by a presentation of my work and experience, which lasted about an hour and included questions. Afterwards, there was a tour of the facility, and then I met with administrative officials like the Provost of research and the Dean.