Hi there,

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

• First of all, since you most likely do not have any professional experience except for internships in the more distant past, I would advise you not to worry about the example you chose.
• Moreover, as long as you provide an example you can discuss in detail and that can be applied to a professional environment, the interviewer will certainly be satisfied with the example you chose.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to best prepare for your upcoming interviews, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there, 

The example doesn't only have to be from your PhD, it can also just be related to it and if you explain that well enough, then there shouldn't be a problem. 

If I were you, however, I'd rather reflect on whether this extracurricular activity you did as a student rep is indeed your biggest career achievement or if you feel there are other things that you show you at your best. 

Best,
Cristian

Hi there,

If you don't have work experience then absolutely you can grab something from your studies. Please just make sure that this example is truly “great” in the sense that you did a lot and accomplished a lot. Also, remember the importance of being structured and detailed in your response.

You should be fine. I would not worry too much whether it is personal or professional experience. As long as the achievement  & the story you tell is great.

Your interviewer will know that you're a PhD student and so unlikely to have deep standard professional experience. If it's a great example where you faced a high level of professional challenge, then that sounds like it'd work well! 

Good luck!

Your example should be as close as possible to a professional / business setting. 

As I see it, your experience as student representative may (or may not be) more relevant than your PhD one, depending on the specific examples you have.