As a fellow with our program, how will you react when you are asked to perform a function or complete a task in which you had little or no experience in doing?
With any candidate they consider to join their institution as an Administrative Fellow, your team of interviewers is fully aware that any candidate they bring aboard will be wet behind the ears in some areas of their training program. As a fellow, they'll be looking to hear that you are ready to dive in, make some mistakes and ask questions along the way.
"I'm confident that you won't' talk to another candidate that is more ready and eager to come to your Administrative Fellowship and learn new things. I know that things like research administration and public affairs are a little unfamiliar to me, but I'm ready to join your institution with an open mind that is ready to learn and grow. I will always ask a lot of questions and then jump into my work. A great example of this was my capstone project in my MHA program. I studied the local impacts of drug prices on the elderly population. One area that I had very little experience in was the pharmaceutical side. I scheduled time to have in-depth conversations with two pharmacists to better understand costs and insurance coverages prior to beginning my research."
Think back to your graduate program and talk about jumping into an area of your coursework, project work, or capstone project that was unfamiliar to you. You'll want to highlight your ability to discuss details with your colleagues and mentors while also formulating your own ideas for jumping into the work. Make sure to stress that while there are some areas you won't be an expert in during your time as an Administrative Fellow with this program, you are ready and willing to take on new roles, make mistakes, learn and grow during your time training.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Although challenging, I'm eager to join your institution with an open mind, ask many questions, research, and jump into my work. For instance, I had no prior experience or English-speaking skills when I joined the military.
Jaymie's Feedback
Great, it sounds like you're up for a challenge and are willing to learn whatever is necessary to get the job done!
