How to Answer: What would a past professor say is your greatest strength?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Civil Engineer Intern job interview.
17. What would a past professor say is your greatest strength?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
This is a common entry-level interview question. Interviewers ask how your professors would describe you to get a sense of how others perceive you as well as to gauge your self-awareness. The interviewer is always trying to get a sense of what you'll be like as an employee--what's your work ethic; how do you deal with challenges; and what kind of attitude and personality do you have at work.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
How to Answer
Reflect upon your past successes in academic projects, jobs, internships, and volunteer and campus activities. Identify personal attributes that enabled you to achieve success in those roles. Consider asking professors to write recommendations for you so you can gain an understanding of how they have viewed your academic work. Other forms of recognition, such as honors for academic achievement, awards for leadership, or performance bonuses, can be mentioned as evidence that particular qualities helped you excel in academic, co-curricular, or employment arenas.
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022
Answer Example
"My civil engineer professor and academic advisor recently nominated me to be the student representative to the engineering department. They cited my leadership ability and presentation skills as reasons for the nomination."
Written by Sue Oberliesen on April 15th, 2022