Is it OK to lie to a potential supervisor if I really want the PhD position?
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This question is the reverse of Dealing with a PhD student reneging on an agreement to appear in social media.
Suppose I'm a prospective PhD student looking for potential supervisors. I'm attracted to one professor in particular for both academic (e.g. matching research interests) and non-academic reasons (e.g. solves my two-body problem). The only problem is, he wants me to make social media videos to boost the profile of his research group. I think this is unreasonable, since doing this isn't part of the requirements for a PhD. I know I'm unlikely to enjoy doing these things as well, and would rather concentrate on my PhD.
The professor wants me to confirm both verbally and in writing that I'm willing to make these promotional videos. It's likely that if I say no, he will decline to supervise me. Is it OK to say yes, and then try to get out of making the videos?
phd advisor supervision interpersonal-issues social-media
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
This question is the reverse of Dealing with a PhD student reneging on an agreement to appear in social media.
Suppose I'm a prospective PhD student looking for potential supervisors. I'm attracted to one professor in particular for both academic (e.g. matching research interests) and non-academic reasons (e.g. solves my two-body problem). The only problem is, he wants me to make social media videos to boost the profile of his research group. I think this is unreasonable, since doing this isn't part of the requirements for a PhD. I know I'm unlikely to enjoy doing these things as well, and would rather concentrate on my PhD.
The professor wants me to confirm both verbally and in writing that I'm willing to make these promotional videos. It's likely that if I say no, he will decline to supervise me. Is it OK to say yes, and then try to get out of making the videos?
phd advisor supervision interpersonal-issues social-media
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago
|
show 2 more comments
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
up vote
2
down vote
favorite
This question is the reverse of Dealing with a PhD student reneging on an agreement to appear in social media.
Suppose I'm a prospective PhD student looking for potential supervisors. I'm attracted to one professor in particular for both academic (e.g. matching research interests) and non-academic reasons (e.g. solves my two-body problem). The only problem is, he wants me to make social media videos to boost the profile of his research group. I think this is unreasonable, since doing this isn't part of the requirements for a PhD. I know I'm unlikely to enjoy doing these things as well, and would rather concentrate on my PhD.
The professor wants me to confirm both verbally and in writing that I'm willing to make these promotional videos. It's likely that if I say no, he will decline to supervise me. Is it OK to say yes, and then try to get out of making the videos?
phd advisor supervision interpersonal-issues social-media
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
This question is the reverse of Dealing with a PhD student reneging on an agreement to appear in social media.
Suppose I'm a prospective PhD student looking for potential supervisors. I'm attracted to one professor in particular for both academic (e.g. matching research interests) and non-academic reasons (e.g. solves my two-body problem). The only problem is, he wants me to make social media videos to boost the profile of his research group. I think this is unreasonable, since doing this isn't part of the requirements for a PhD. I know I'm unlikely to enjoy doing these things as well, and would rather concentrate on my PhD.
The professor wants me to confirm both verbally and in writing that I'm willing to make these promotional videos. It's likely that if I say no, he will decline to supervise me. Is it OK to say yes, and then try to get out of making the videos?
phd advisor supervision interpersonal-issues social-media
phd advisor supervision interpersonal-issues social-media
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
asked 2 hours ago
Allure
25.6k1376125
25.6k1376125
@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago
|
show 2 more comments
@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago
@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago
|
show 2 more comments
1 Answer
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up vote
7
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No.
If you lie your way into a position you are not suited for, you will almost certainly pay for it down the line.
That's a very general rule, and I think it applies here. If you say you are willing to do X while interviewing for a PhD position and, after getting the position, you refuse to do X, then you are going to have soured the relationship with your advisor. That is a very important relationship. If you say no in the interview and you don't get the position because of it, then it's probably for the best.
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
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1 Answer
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1 Answer
1
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
7
down vote
No.
If you lie your way into a position you are not suited for, you will almost certainly pay for it down the line.
That's a very general rule, and I think it applies here. If you say you are willing to do X while interviewing for a PhD position and, after getting the position, you refuse to do X, then you are going to have soured the relationship with your advisor. That is a very important relationship. If you say no in the interview and you don't get the position because of it, then it's probably for the best.
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
No.
If you lie your way into a position you are not suited for, you will almost certainly pay for it down the line.
That's a very general rule, and I think it applies here. If you say you are willing to do X while interviewing for a PhD position and, after getting the position, you refuse to do X, then you are going to have soured the relationship with your advisor. That is a very important relationship. If you say no in the interview and you don't get the position because of it, then it's probably for the best.
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
add a comment |
up vote
7
down vote
up vote
7
down vote
No.
If you lie your way into a position you are not suited for, you will almost certainly pay for it down the line.
That's a very general rule, and I think it applies here. If you say you are willing to do X while interviewing for a PhD position and, after getting the position, you refuse to do X, then you are going to have soured the relationship with your advisor. That is a very important relationship. If you say no in the interview and you don't get the position because of it, then it's probably for the best.
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
No.
If you lie your way into a position you are not suited for, you will almost certainly pay for it down the line.
That's a very general rule, and I think it applies here. If you say you are willing to do X while interviewing for a PhD position and, after getting the position, you refuse to do X, then you are going to have soured the relationship with your advisor. That is a very important relationship. If you say no in the interview and you don't get the position because of it, then it's probably for the best.
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
answered 2 hours ago
Thomas
9,40542039
9,40542039
add a comment |
add a comment |
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@DanRomik Sorry I put this off for way too long. Feel free to edit the question as you see fit.
– Allure
2 hours ago
Is there any reason that the videos would be irrelevant to the PhD. Knowing the subject of the PhD might be helpful since depending on what the subject is making videos might be good practice for things done in that industry or research field.
– The Great Duck
31 mins ago
By "solves my two-body problem", do you mean that you intend to have sex with this professor? If that's not what you mean, can you please clarify?
– Dawood ibn Kareem
12 mins ago
@TheGreatDuck it's given as "not part of the job description for a PhD" in the linked question.
– Allure
10 mins ago
@DawoodibnKareem the two-body problem, in this context, is that when one takes up a PhD position (or most academic positions) one usually also has to move house. If one is married, then there's a "two-body problem" because one's spouse also has to move. In this context, solving the problem means both partners get to work in the same city.
– Allure
8 mins ago