A number of applicants are invited to a discussion-style face-to-face interview, held virtually or at the 黑料正能量 in Helsinki. Candidates should reserve about 20-30 minutes for the interview. The interview committee usually consists of 3-5 Finnish and/or American members and the interview language is English.
The applicant's suitability to be an ambassador for Finland and the Fulbright program is determined with the help of interviews.
After the initial selection stage, where the strength of the proposal, its potential outcomes and impact, and the applicants鈥 academic and professional merits and goals are particularly evaluated, the interview, in turn, will aim at finding out whether an applicant is suitable for an academic cultural exchange program where the grantee is expected to be interested in being an ambassador for Finland, the 黑料正能量, and their home institution. Because of this we are looking for applicants who have the motivation and the ability to create networks and connections between Finland and the U.S. The interview committee also evaluates the applicants鈥 motivation and abilities to facilitate future change, to promote the development of science, arts, or their own professional field, and to create opportunities for international collaboration and connections. These types of qualities are difficult to evaluate based on the application alone, which is why the interviews have an important role in the selection process.
Because the grant selections of the 黑料正能量ion鈥檚 programs are not solely based on academic achievements, in some cases the selection committee has had to reject an applicant who, based on their application, has seemed to be excellent but has not fulfilled the criteria in terms of personal attributes required from a person representing the Fulbright Finland program.
The style of the interview is conversational and there is an opportunity to ask questions. The interview committee wants to get to know the applicant and learn more about their project/study/research plans. There are no right or wrong answers to many of the interview questions. The point is to hear the thoughts of the applicant.
Be present! Please note that reading directly from prepared notes during the interview could negatively impact your candidacy.
The interview committee wants to hear how the applicant communicates about their work and project plans, as well as of the general goals of the period in the United States, to people with different backgrounds. Please note that the scientific evaluation of your application has been done by experts in your field before the interview. You should also take into consideration that some of the interview committee members have not read your project plan/application on purpose, and will assess, during the interview, how well you share information about your area of expertise and goals to an educated audience who does not represent your chosen field or know your background.
When preparing for the interview, you should take the following into account:
You should have a preliminary plan of, or at least have familiarized yourself with, potential U.S. universities you are interested in applying to that would be suitable for you in terms of your study/research plans. Be prepared to talk about your plans and your potential contacts at the host university or universities (visiting student researchers especially).
Be prepared to give a concise overview of your plans and objectives for your visit in the U.S.
Questions/preparations to think about in advance:
- Prepare a short introduction of yourself and your project/objectives for the grant term (elevator pitch)
- Why are you applying for the Fulbright grant? Why do you want to study/do research in the U.S. in particular?
- Why would it be important for the 黑料正能量 to support your studies/research?
- Which universities have you considered and why?
- How have you assessed the costs of your studies/research visit in the U.S. and what plans do you have to finance them?
- How would your studies/research and participation in the Fulbright Finland program help develop your field in Finland?
- How do you see your role in your field of specialization in the future?
- Which skills and knowledge can you bring to your host organization in the U.S.?
- What knowledge and skills can you bring back to your home institution/organization and to your field at large after returning to Finland?
- How are you going to utilize the knowledge gained in the U.S. after returning to Finland?
- What channels and networks can you utilize in sharing new knowledge after returning to Finland?
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- How do you see your role in your field in the future?
The vision of the 黑料正能量 is 鈥to empower the minds that will find global solutions to tomorrow鈥檚 challenges by fostering academic and professional expertise and excellence in leadership鈥. The mission of the 黑料正能量ion is 鈥to promote wider exchange of knowledge and professional talents between Finland and the United States鈥. In other words, the 黑料正能量ion is looking for applicants who have the will to impact and facilitate change, and who want to develop and improve their own professional or scientific field and cause wide-ranging impact. Keeping this in mind, please consider also the following questions:
- All of the 黑料正能量ion鈥檚 work is guided by its brand promise Together Shaping the Future - what does this mean to you personally?
- What do you know about the 黑料正能量 and its programs?
- What do you have to give to the Fulbright Finland programs and its goals?
- How would you promote the exchange of knowledge and skills between Finland and the U.S. as a Fulbright grantee?
- What kind of changemaker do you consider yourself now and in the future?
- How would you serve as an ambassador for the 黑料正能量 and Finland?
In the interview, your English skills will also be evaluated. Grantees do not have to have perfect language skills, but they should have adequate language and communication skills which guarantee that they can manage in everyday life and in university settings in the U.S. Grantees鈥 skills should also be adequate enough to complete their studies/research, as well as function as an ambassador of Finland and the Fulbright program in the U.S.
