2013-2014 APPIC (internship) interview thread

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Division12 said:
Just awful weather- snow, sleet, freezing rain, poor visibility. My two hour drive to school turned into four and an unexpected stop to check on a terrified woman who had just gotten into an accident 🙁
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A 2 hour commute already sounds horrible! Good for you helping out. Your professors will hopefully understand the circumstances. When my car broke down a couple of months ago at least 100 people passed and nobody stopped.
 
I'm curious what others' thoughts are about "couch surfing" in order to save costs. I have contacts living in every place I am interviewing who I would feel comfortable asking to stay 1-2 nights. (I'm not a huge Facebook fan, but I love how I can easily look up where my contacts live.) I'm leaning towards doing this, as it would save me over $1000 easy, but I'm not naive to the downsides of this, in terms of less than ideal sleeping quarters. But this is what I did for all of my graduate school interviews (it was institutionalized at all the programs I interviewed with), and I slept fine and things worked out well. Curious what others think.
 
highwayninja said:
Yeah, in addition to a cap on applications, I think on-site interviews should be banned. Each one (unless it's close by) can cost $1,000+ after you consider airfare, rental car (in some cases), and lodging. 5-10 interviews and you have 5-1ok in expenses. There is a social justice issue, much greater than the cost of the number of applications issue. Fortunately for me so far, 2 of my 3 rejections were of the 6 total sites that have on-site interviews. I do like the idea of actually seeing the place first, but I think the economic issue for those less fortunate than I am should be prioritized.
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I definitely feel frustrated too, but you may want to check out kayak.com - not trying to plug for them, but you really shouldn't have to pay more than $500 for flight, car rental & a cheap motel combined =)
 
DenWendt said:
I'm curious what others' thoughts are about "couch surfing" in order to save costs. I have contacts living in every place I am interviewing who I would feel comfortable asking to stay 1-2 nights. (I'm not a huge Facebook fan, but I love how I can easily look up where my contacts live.) I'm leaning towards doing this, as it would save me over $1000 easy, but I'm not naive to the downsides of this, in terms of less than ideal sleeping quarters. But this is what I did for all of my graduate school interviews (it was institutionalized at all the programs I interviewed with), and I slept fine and things worked out well. Curious what others think.
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I would do it. I have no shame! haha I contacted people I haven't talked to in years just in case! I think this is just so financially devastating that I am trying my best to be creative and save where I can. I plan to bring lots of snacks wherever I go to save on food too. It's worth saving that money, and I know at least for me, a hotel won't be any different in terms of sleeping! Haha An unfamiliar bed does me no good. But do what's right for you!!
 
University of North Carolina, Charlotte Counseling Center interview invite! Personalized email: interview invites via skype on 1/2, 1/3, 1/6, 1/9 and open house visits on 1/10, and 1/17! 🙂
 
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DenWendt said:
I'm curious what others' thoughts are about "couch surfing" in order to save costs. I have contacts living in every place I am interviewing who I would feel comfortable asking to stay 1-2 nights. (I'm not a huge Facebook fan, but I love how I can easily look up where my contacts live.) I'm leaning towards doing this, as it would save me over $1000 easy, but I'm not naive to the downsides of this, in terms of less than ideal sleeping quarters. But this is what I did for all of my graduate school interviews (it was institutionalized at all the programs I interviewed with), and I slept fine and things worked out well. Curious what others think.
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I think it depends on the person. I have trouble sleeping enough as it is, so sleeping on somebody's couch would be especially difficult for me the day before an interview. If they have a larger place (e.g., a bed for me to sleep in, more than one bathroom), I might consider it. But so far, I don't know anybody at the places I am interviewing. Well, I know somebody that lives like two hours away from one site, but that's way too far, considering the site is close to the airport. If it worked for you for grad school interviews, that's a positive sign that it would work for you this time as well.
 
Personalized rejection email. University of Delaware Counseling Center (expected, thanks to this forum!). It was a very nice email!!! Wow---an invite and a rejection in the last 30 minutes. Talk about a rollecoaster of emotional feelings!
 
After reviewing the 2012 thread on this topic, I realized that the majority of my sites will not extend interviews/rejections until the last weekday before December 15th. This year that date will be Friday the 13th. Dun, dun, dun...

In all seriousness, I hope this week brings much optimism and good news for each of you!
 
Quick question: I received an email from Broughton Hospital. It states "we are not actively considering your application at this time but will notify you if this status changes." Is this a rejection or wait list? I'm a bit confused.

Thanks!
 
DenWendt said:
I'm curious what others' thoughts are about "couch surfing" in order to save costs. I have contacts living in every place I am interviewing who I would feel comfortable asking to stay 1-2 nights. (I'm not a huge Facebook fan, but I love how I can easily look up where my contacts live.) I'm leaning towards doing this, as it would save me over $1000 easy, but I'm not naive to the downsides of this, in terms of less than ideal sleeping quarters. But this is what I did for all of my graduate school interviews (it was institutionalized at all the programs I interviewed with), and I slept fine and things worked out well. Curious what others think.
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A lot depends on proximity to the interview site as well as sleeping arrangements. I don't think I could sleep well on a couch. I also like to have time to myself to prepare for the interview. Is the space you'll be staying at conducive to a good night's rest and quiet time to prepare? I had two interviews in the same town, one on a Monday, one on the Friday after. I stayed in a hotel Sunday that was walking distance to my interview. Monday through Wednesday I stayed with a relative that lived in the area, but Thursday night I moved to a hotel again the night before my Friday interview. I just wanted the alone time to prepare.
 
WeDoItOnTheCouch said:
Quick question: I received an email from Broughton Hospital. It states "we are not actively considering your application at this time but will notify you if this status changes." Is this a rejection or wait list? I'm a bit confused.

Thanks!
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I would interpret it as a wait list. However, you probably will only hear further from them if an interview opening comes up.
 
Personalized email rejection from NYU/RUSK on 12/7
Generic but extremely nice rejection email from Trinitas Regional Medical Center on 12/8
 
I have a question that is sort of off the beaten path here. I have my interview for LIJ next week (the 17th). This weekend, one of my best friends is getting married. She is Indian, and this Friday the 13th is her Henna party. For those that don't know, this is sort of akin to a respectful bachelorette party, if you will. The bride and her female friends and relatives get together for dinner and everyone gets Henna tattoos. I am really excited about this (being a Roman Catholic Italian I have yet to experience this beautiful piece of culture!). However, it just dawned on me that I am going to have REALLY DARK Henna on my hands for my interview. Now, part of me thinks it's totally not an issue, because I can repeat what I just told you guys, making sure that my interviewer knows the significance of the tattoos stretches beyond my mere whim. However, my neurotic doctoral student self is also worried that it may look unprofessional. Of course, if I tell my friend I cannot go, or that I will go but cannot get Henna, this would hurt her feelings since it's such a special occasion for her. Sigh, what do you guys think? Am I totally over-thinking this?
 
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JennyAnn4 said:
I have a question that is sort of off the beaten path here. I have my interview for LIJ next week (the 16th). This weekend, one of my best friends is getting married. She is Indian, and this Friday the 13th is her Henna party. For those that don't know, this is sort of akin to a respectful bachelorette party, if you will. The bride and her female friends and relatives get together for dinner and everyone gets Henna tattoos. I am really excited about this (being a Roman Catholic Italian I have yet to experience this beautiful piece of culture!). However, it just dawned on me that I am going to have REALLY DARK Henna on my hands for my interview. Now, part of me thinks it's totally not an issue, because I can repeat what I just told you guys, making sure that my interviewer knows the significance of the tattoos stretches beyond my mere whim. However, my neurotic doctoral student self is also worried that it may look unprofessional. Of course, if I tell my friend I cannot go, or that I will go but cannot get Henna, this would hurt her feelings since it's such a special occasion for her. Sigh, what do you guys think? Am I totally over-thinking this?
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If it's one of your best friends, then I think that, yes, you should go. I think the issue is to brainstorm how to deal with it at your interviews. It may seem strange or overly self-conscious if you bring it up with everyone, but if you don't mention it I suspect many people will not ask. Now, I suspect you will be shaking hands with everyone, so that could be a good opportunity to briefly explain, as the person surely will notice then. I actually think that if handled tactfully (don't over-explain it or draw attention to it), it could be more of an asset to the kind of person you are than a loss.
 
DenWendt said:
If it's one of your best friends, then I think that, yes, you should go. I think the issue is to brainstorm how to deal with it at your interviews. It may seem strange or overly self-conscious if you bring it up with everyone, but if you don't mention it I suspect many people will not ask. Now, I suspect you will be shaking hands with everyone, so that could be a good opportunity to briefly explain, as the person surely will notice then. I actually think that if handled tactfully (don't over-explain it or draw attention to it), it could be more of an asset to the kind of person you are than a loss.
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To add one more thing: I could imagine myself being very impressed by someone who is completely confident about herself in spite of this and is not at all apologetic but is nonchalant about it. But I suppose others may differ.
 
cara susanna said:
As she hears about my rejections/invitations, my mom has been theorizing that the West coast hates me and the East coast loves me. 😉
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Or that culturally you read as a better "fit" on the East Coast?
 
critter said:
Or that culturally you read as a better "fit" on the East Coast?
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Perhaps! I did get one West coast site at least. I'm fine wherever I end up and would just be thrilled to match at any of my sites, but my husband really wanted me to get an internship there (he's from California).
 
JennyAnn4 said:
I have a question that is sort of off the beaten path here. I have my interview for LIJ next week (the 17th). This weekend, one of my best friends is getting married. She is Indian, and this Friday the 13th is her Henna party. For those that don't know, this is sort of akin to a respectful bachelorette party, if you will. The bride and her female friends and relatives get together for dinner and everyone gets Henna tattoos. I am really excited about this (being a Roman Catholic Italian I have yet to experience this beautiful piece of culture!). However, it just dawned on me that I am going to have REALLY DARK Henna on my hands for my interview. Now, part of me thinks it's totally not an issue, because I can repeat what I just told you guys, making sure that my interviewer knows the significance of the tattoos stretches beyond my mere whim. However, my neurotic doctoral student self is also worried that it may look unprofessional. Of course, if I tell my friend I cannot go, or that I will go but cannot get Henna, this would hurt her feelings since it's such a special occasion for her. Sigh, what do you guys think? Am I totally over-thinking this?
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I think it would really show bravery as well as your ability to appreciate other cultures if you wore the Henna tattoos on an interview. I personally would think it was really cool, but I'm not a supervisor! But I think its up to you and your values! 🙂
 
psyd102 said:
I think it would really show bravery as well as your ability to appreciate other cultures if you wore the Henna tattoos on an interview. I personally would think it was really cool, but I'm not a supervisor! But I think its up to you and your values! 🙂
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I would echo what has been said here. I personally, would be more interested and probably would ask questions about it. I think it's cool! I would agree that I would suggest to probably just think about how to introduce it or how to incorporate it in your interview when asked. 🙂
 
JennyAnn4 said:
I have a question that is sort of off the beaten path here. I have my interview for LIJ next week (the 17th). This weekend, one of my best friends is getting married. She is Indian, and this Friday the 13th is her Henna party. For those that don't know, this is sort of akin to a respectful bachelorette party, if you will. The bride and her female friends and relatives get together for dinner and everyone gets Henna tattoos. I am really excited about this (being a Roman Catholic Italian I have yet to experience this beautiful piece of culture!). However, it just dawned on me that I am going to have REALLY DARK Henna on my hands for my interview. Now, part of me thinks it's totally not an issue, because I can repeat what I just told you guys, making sure that my interviewer knows the significance of the tattoos stretches beyond my mere whim. However, my neurotic doctoral student self is also worried that it may look unprofessional. Of course, if I tell my friend I cannot go, or that I will go but cannot get Henna, this would hurt her feelings since it's such a special occasion for her. Sigh, what do you guys think? Am I totally over-thinking this?
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For our site it would not be a disadvantage at all. If anything, it is a nice bridge to evidence of your experience with diversity in one of its many forms. Would you want to work in a site that made judgments on your professionalism based on this anyway? Any reputable site that didn't already recognize the tradition would hopefully at least be inspired to ask so you could relay the narrative above. I'd say go and enjoy the event fully and trust it will be a positive feature if of any note at all.
 
DenWendt said:
To add one more thing: I could imagine myself being very impressed by someone who is completely confident about herself in spite of this and is not at all apologetic but is nonchalant about it. But I suppose others may differ.
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Thank you so much for your guidance! I agree with your points. I definitely do not plan on being apologetic about it - I am ridiculously excited about participating in this cultural ritual and am actually looking forward to people asking me questions about it. I will do what you suggested and brainstorm about some ways to mention it without being apologetic or completely random.
 
Anyone that got an interview at the Medical College of Georgia, did you receive travel information?
 
grenas said:
I would echo what has been said here. I personally, would be more interested and probably would ask questions about it. I think it's cool! I would agree that I would suggest to probably just think about how to introduce it or how to incorporate it in your interview when asked. 🙂
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Thank you! I am kind of assuming that my interviewer will mention it, particularly given that my never-sees-the-sun skin clearly illustrates that I am not Indian. =)
 
JennyAnn4 said:
I have a question that is sort of off the beaten path here. I have my interview for LIJ next week (the 16th). This weekend, one of my best friends is getting married. She is Indian, and this Friday the 13th is her Henna party. For those that don't know, this is sort of akin to a respectful bachelorette party, if you will. The bride and her female friends and relatives get together for dinner and everyone gets Henna tattoos. I am really excited about this (being a Roman Catholic Italian I have yet to experience this beautiful piece of culture!). However, it just dawned on me that I am going to have REALLY DARK Henna on my hands for my interview. Now, part of me thinks it's totally not an issue, because I can repeat what I just told you guys, making sure that my interviewer knows the significance of the tattoos stretches beyond my mere whim. However, my neurotic doctoral student self is also worried that it may look unprofessional. Of course, if I tell my friend I cannot go, or that I will go but cannot get Henna, this would hurt her feelings since it's such a special occasion for her. Sigh, what do you guys think? Am I totally over-thinking this?
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I say wear that Mehndi (Hindi term for henna designs) with pride and enjoy it! It will show your multiculturalism (especially if you are not Indian). I have been on plenty of interviews, conferences, etc. with henna on my hands and it has never been an issue...in fact, it has always been a warm & friendly ice-breaker. I don't know what soul in the U.S. today who would think it was was unprofessional....send that soul my way and let me give him/her a little lesson on culture.

Please go, support your best friend, and enjoy! You don't need to get big elaborate designs on both hands (like the bride), you can get nice ones just on the palm of one hand if you want to remain conservative. BTW: I nailed one of my most significant foot-in-door jobs with my wedding Mehndi all on my hands (& up my forearm) during the interview...it fads within a few weeks. And if it is REALLY DARK it's supposed to be good luck. :luck:
 
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