Greetings from Heidelberg (Part 2)

25.Februar 2009 (a.k.a. the Big Day)

We arrived at the Center (I´ll call it the Center for now. I´ll introduce the institute in another post). at 9am and had until 1030 to register, upload our seminars into their computers, and arrange for our travel reimbursements. Got to meet more of the participants at this time. A guy approached me and upon seeing my name tag, asked if understood Spanish. I told him that I was from the Philippines and all I could understand were the words that overlapped with Filipino. We had a good laugh and he said he just assumed because of my familyname.

We entered the lecture theater (which looked amazing) for the intro to the Center and some talks. The top officials of the administration and Ph.D. student council were al there. We were given an overview of the Center which was followed by the first seminar. The Professor taled about Cancer Epigenomics, but every now and then, there would be some ´reflection slides´on why he came back to Germany to work at the Center (he was based in the USA for 15 years). To those familiar with the Ateneo Recruitment Receptions, it had that same feeling. Instead of enticing incoming undergrads, though, he was emphasizing how great it was to stay here for research. Unlike the invited students in ADMU, though, we weren´t guaranteed slots yet. (So keep on praying!!!)

Then came another interesting talk on HPV vaccines by a Professor who was a close collaborator of a Nobel Laureate of 2008. That was a very interesting seminar as well.

We had a buffet lunch after and by 1pm, proceeded to our presentation rooms.

Now, there were about 46 applicants present. They divided us into three groups, each in its own AVR. In these rooms, there would be constant panelists scoring our 5 MINUTE presentations about our Diplom/Masters/most recent research work. The event would also be open to the 100+ Ph.D. Project Directors of the Center. It was excatly like a mini-convention. I got my turn and they seemed to like it. Only one question was asked and I was able to answer it easily. There were some who had a problem with their English, especially when being asked questions. Still, all the presentations were generally good and I learned a lot in those three hours.

By 4pm, we would have a coffee break to prepare for what was up next. The next round was the ínterview stage´, which could only be best compared to ´´speed dating´´. Tables were arranged side by side, separated only by tall dividers. Two chairs were on opposite sides of each table- one for the mentor and one for the student. Based on our pre-confirmed priority list, we would go to each professor and spend 15-20 minutes with them. They´d then ask us about our research experience, our seminar, our motivations, and our expectations and career plans. A bell would then ring to signal that we had to transfer to our next professor. The professors would then score us for the interview. This, of course, would be kept confidential. It was fun and weird at the same time, but it was a less stressful/intimidating way to have an interview. In the end, we ended up interviewing with 3-5 project directors.

I generally had a great experience with my interviews. The directors seemed intimidating from afar, but they were really engaging and friendly. I was pleased when one of them asked my age and replied that my presentation was very good, and very mature for my age. And, they still haven´t seen the full extent of my presentation powers! Hehe.) They loved the fact I was very interested in Germany, could understand the language, and that my choice always had the Philippines in mind.

By the time the interviews were over, it was already 7pm and everone was tired. The Ph.D. council arranged a pizza dinner for us before we headed back to the guesthouse. They ordered about 30 gigantic boxes of different flavors (Think about the largest Yellow cab size there is and double that.) Of course, it wouldn´t be Germany without three cases of beer and about 15 bottles of wine! The council planned on showing a film (The Wedding Crashers), but nobody wanted to watch. We preferred just enjoying our pizzas and booze with great company.

Got home by 9pm and immediately fell asleep. The next day was packed, but it would be a more relaxed one. We would then be visiting the labs of our target projects.


More kwento and pics next time. (Can´t upload any pics since I´m just using their free internet station.)