HOW DO STUDENTS AND POST-DOCS CHOOSE THEIR RESEARCH ADVISORS

HOW DO STUDENTS AND POST-DOCS CHOOSE THEIR RESEARCH ADVISORS?

Highest Ranking Criteria

Masters Students	Ph.D. students	Post-Docs
Area of chemistry	Area of chemistry	Area of chemistry
Personality	Personality	Personality
Expertise and reputation in field	Prospect of employment in industry	Prospect of employment in academia

Lowest Ranking Criteria

Masters Students	Ph.D. students	Post-Docs
Similar cultural background	Similar cultural background	Similar cultural background
Scientific pedigree	Experience with advisor as past lecturer	Experience with advisor as past lecturer
Experience with advisor as past lecturer	Scientific pedigree	Expertise and reputation in field; Personal recommendation from peers

Summary:

The area of chemistry and personality of advisor are the common highest ranking criteria for choosing research advisors.

There is a shift in the employment expectations between Ph.D. students and post-docs from employment in industry to employment in academia.

The common least important criteria are similar cultural background, experience with advisor as a past lecturer, and scientific pedigree.