Fellowship Mock Interview
Master 40 Fellowship interview questions covering research goals, funding justification, and academic potential.
Question 5 of 40
What animal would you say you most relate to?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How to Answer
Example Answer
Community Answers
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
How well a candidate fits with the culture, values, and team at this institution may place them higher on the interviewers' list. Your interviewers want to get to know you, your values, and your motivations, and they'll use many different questions to do this. These oddball questions make you think on your feet and allow them to gain some insight into your personality.
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, your interviewers will expect you to discuss why you chose the animal you did. Ideally, the animal you discuss should highlight important aspects of your personality, your work style, and your motivation.
Ryan Brunner has over ten years of experience recruiting, interviewing, and hiring candidates in the healthcare, public service, and private manufacturing/distribution industries.
"This is such a great question! Off the top of my head, I would have to say that I would relate most to the whale family. Whales are known to be devoted and cooperative while working together for a common goal. Whales are also conscientious of their surroundings at all times and can make important survival decisions during their migratory season. I firmly believe that I bring all of these values to my colleagues and my patients and would love to bring them to your next class of fellows."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
Typically responds within 24 hours.
0 - Character Count
Anonymous Answer
I most relate to giraffes. With their height and spotted pattern, they stand out among other animals in the safari, which is analogous to how I feel sometimes being as tall as I am and an African-American woman in this field. Giraffes are self-sufficient herbivores who protect their young and stand up for themselves to assert their presence in the group. I feel like I embody some of those traits of independence and resilience to prove my value.
Jaymie's Feedback
The interviewer will appreciate that you gave a genuine and thoughtful answer!
Unlock All 40 Fellowship Questions
Unlock expert responses that selection committees use to identify top fellowship candidates.
Get StartedJump to Question