Qualities to Look for in Potential Advisor?

[lsanman]

So, I'm in the process of trying to figure out who to choose for my first rotation advisor. I'm in the (somewhat) nice position of having many people I'm interested in working with in my program of choice. How did those of you that have gone through rotations and advisor selection make your choices? What are the important things to look for?

[Eigen]

I think it's important to find someone who is interested in you, and your research (and is correspondingly there to help you) but is hands off enough to allow your research to be your own.

Most PIs seem to either view their grad students as extra pairs of hands to carry out the research they design, or as individuals who they fund and guide, but don't overly direct.

Some PIs are too far into the latter category- they are so hands off you really don't get any mentoring or help on your projects. Some are so far into the former they only see you as a glorified lab tech.

You want someone who lets you work on projects that interest you, as long as they fall within a certain range, and someone who will let you explore and develop those projects; while simultaneously keeping up with you and your research enough to adequately support you.

Oh, and they should have good funding! Nothing more frustrating than a nice PI and cool projects, but not enough funding to keep them running.

[fuzzylogician]

I can't help you with choosing rotations, but I think the single most important feature to look for in an advisor is that undefined personality click.

The things Eigen mentions are all important and you should look for them in an advisor; but however great the person is on paper, if you don't feel a connection with them in the beginning, it's not going to get any better later on--it's only going to get worse, unless one of you (likely you) has a significant change of heart about how you do things. I wouldn't compromise pleasant working relations for a bigger name or bigger funds (or at least, I would try to find way to incorporate those good qualities with some more of my-style of advising in some way). Compromising will have the good consequences that are related with the name/funds but will come with suffering that I, for one, don't feel are always worth the gain. Uncomfortable working relations affect a person's happiness, productivity and overall results; staying happy and healthy is key for developing a successful career as a researcher.

Bottom line: it's all in the personal connections and the best way to decide on them is to meet with the potential advisor and see how you get along. Ask others about their opinions, find out about funding and about advising policies, but then meet the person and find out if they are right for you.

[runonsentence]

I think it's important to find someone who is interested in you, and your research (and is correspondingly there to help you) but is hands off enough to allow your research to be your own.

Most PIs seem to either view their grad students as extra pairs of hands to carry out the research they design, or as individuals who they fund and guide, but don't overly direct.

Some PIs are too far into the latter category- they are so hands off you really don't get any mentoring or help on your projects. Some are so far into the former they only see you as a glorified lab tech.

You want someone who lets you work on projects that interest you, as long as they fall within a certain range, and someone who will let you explore and develop those projects; while simultaneously keeping up with you and your research enough to adequately support you.

Oh, and they should have good funding! Nothing more frustrating than a nice PI and cool projects, but not enough funding to keep them running.

The advice about finding an advisor who is also a good mentor is really important, IMO. My partner, while he's doing fine, has run into a lot of frustration and set-backs because his PI was a bit too hands-off in the beginning stages of his project. Some people do fine without much guidance, but I know I'm also the kind who needs supportive mentoring in doing my research.

I'd also second fuzzylogician's advice about personalities that work well together.

[robot_hamster]

I agree. Definitely ask yourself if this is someone you feel you can develop a relationship with quickly and easily. An instant rapport when you first meet is a good indication. Sometimes when you meet someone, you can just tell that they are going to rub you the wrong way. Also pay attention to how attentive they are. Yes, professors are busy. But if they habitually lose your emails in the mountain of other emails, it might mean that they don't take care to respond to students in a timely manner. I have one professor that does this all the time and I'm always finding myself sending multiple emails until I finally get a response. It can be quite frustrating.

[far_to_go]

I second the advice that's been given here so far. One way to get insight into the prof's style of mentorship is to talk to their current and former grad students- not in a gossipy way, but in a straightforward professional way. Maybe meet up with them for coffee and say "So, I'm considering asking Dr. X to be my advisor. What have been the best and worst parts of having him/her as an advisor?" Of course, remember that their experiences and your experiences may be different, but it's a good way to gather information that may prove useful.

[runonsentence]

I second the advice that's been given here so far. One way to get insight into the prof's style of mentorship is to talk to their current and former grad students- not in a gossipy way, but in a straightforward professional way. Maybe meet up with them for coffee and say "So, I'm considering asking Dr. X to be my advisor. What have been the best and worst parts of having him/her as an advisor?" Of course, remember that their experiences and your experiences may be different, but it's a good way to gather information that may prove useful.

I agree!—and in fact, when I applied, a couple POI suggested I speak with their grad students so I would know what it's like to dissertate with them, etc.

[lsanman]

Thanks guys, this is really helpful :-)

[SNPCracklePop]

I had strict criteria when shopping for my advisor.

1. NO ASSISTANT PROFESSORS!! Possibly the most important tip. Those who work for profs seeking tenure become workhorses, and this seems to be the norm in any university. You're seeking the same degree regardless, don't torture yourself.

2. Know their publication activity. If they (including their students) have multiple publications every year, you might want to put a bullseye on them.

3. Have an interest in their research. Not to say you must love it, but your dissertation will follow you as you start your career, so at least like it.

4. $$$ as mentioned before. You need to be funded to finish quickly. Grading papers, waiting tables, teaching undergrads keeps you away from your research, delaying you from progressing in your career.

5. Must have a family. This was my most important criterion as I have two children, and my second was born during my first year. If you have a family, you'll need an advisor who understands what it's like to change diapers at 3AM, be utterly sleep-deprived, and know that there is more to life than (gasp!) research.

6. You know you best. Ask around for how these people advise. Do you need someone breathing down your neck to get work done, are you very self-motivated, do you need a relaxed atmosphere, do you need structure? BE PROACTIVE!

This may be the only time in your life where you hire your boss, so select the one most tailored to your interests, personality, personal life, and any situations that must be addressed. Happy hunting!

[SNPCracklePop]

Oops, last thing. Get an idea about their availability and what you need. Do you need an "On call" advisor where you can have their attention and input at a moment's notice, or do you mind if they're running a large lab, a member of many committees and departments, have many students already, etc. Availability can be a VERY important factor.

[Eigen]

I had strict criteria when shopping for my advisor.

1. NO ASSISTANT PROFESSORS!! Possibly the most important tip. Those who work for profs seeking tenure become workhorses, and this seems to be the norm in any university. You're seeking the same degree regardless, don't torture yourself.

I agree with everything but this. Find th e professor you fit best with, no matter the rank. Young prof's have drive to publish, which is great for you as a student... Many tenured faculty will take a lot longer getting papers out the door. Young prof's also have a much more vested interest in getting you funding so you can spend more time doing research compared to someone with tenure. Lastly, they can be a lot more undertanding of what you're going through since they're a lot closere to where you are. Older professors can be a lot less understanding when you're having a hard time grasping concepts, etc.

Just some counterpoints of the befits of an Assistant prof.

[SNPCracklePop]

I agree with everything but this. Find th e professor you fit best with, no matter the rank. Young prof's have drive to publish, which is great for you as a student... Many tenured faculty will take a lot longer getting papers out the door. Young prof's also have a much more vested interest in getting you funding so you can spend more time doing research compared to someone with tenure. Lastly, they can be a lot more undertanding of what you're going through since they're a lot closere to where you are. Older professors can be a lot less understanding when you're having a hard time grasping concepts, etc.

Just some counterpoints of the befits of an Assistant prof.

I see your points. I forgot to mention in my last post the uncertainty factor of assistant profs. If he/she doesn't get tenure, or moves on to greener pastures, you're in a predicament. Your options could include finding another prof who is willing to take on your research or following your mentor to another institution. This adds significant time to your program (and these are happier outcomes). Just tread with caution. There are tenured profs that are well funded, very productive and sympathetic.

[ktel]

I agree with everything but this. Find th e professor you fit best with, no matter the rank. Young prof's have drive to publish, which is great for you as a student... Many tenured faculty will take a lot longer getting papers out the door. Young prof's also have a much more vested interest in getting you funding so you can spend more time doing research compared to someone with tenure. Lastly, they can be a lot more undertanding of what you're going through since they're a lot closere to where you are. Older professors can be a lot less understanding when you're having a hard time grasping concepts, etc.

Just some counterpoints of the befits of an Assistant prof.

That's the experience I had when I met with a potential supervisor who was an assistant prof. Everything her students told me made it sound like she really understood what it was like to be a grad student but would still push you to do amazing research and get out publications.

[Eigen]

I see your points. I forgot to mention in my last post the uncertainty factor of assistant profs. If he/she doesn't get tenure, or moves on to greener pastures, you're in a predicament. Your options could include finding another prof who is willing to take on your research or following your mentor to another institution. This adds significant time to your program (and these are happier outcomes). Just tread with caution. There are tenured profs that are well funded, very productive and sympathetic.

I have a friend that happened to , and it didn't set her back much. She continued the same work using someone elses lab space, and her PI stayed her advisor albeit at a new location.

That said, most places have a 7 year tenure clock these days, with a year or two after for appeals/to find a new job. That's plenty of time to get finished. If you're worried, be frank. I asked the department chair straight up whe I visited, and he told me he's not in the practice of hiring people he doesn't fully expect to get tenure... But that if something happened, the department would work it out and it wouldn't be my problem.

[runonsentence]

I agree that assistant profs don't have to be something you avoid. One of the assistant profs I've worked with here is incredibly generous, recognized in the field, knowledgeable, and well remembers how shitty it was to be a grad student. He also has more time than most other seasoned profs, something that might be important to consider as well.

[Eigen]

Look up the professors group, and see what students are listed as working for them- many universities have "group pages" or listings of graduate students/advisor affiliations on their websites.

Then e-mail one (or several) of those students.

I know most of us will take the time to respond to prospective students who contact us directly.