Protocol of IGERT Non-Completer Interviews

Protocol of IGERT Non-Completer Interviews

1. Why did you enroll in a [name of] IGERT program at [university]?

Probes:

• importance of interdisciplinarity

• nature of career plans and role of IGERT/interdisciplinary education in them

2. Please tell me about your experience in the program?

Probes:

• benefits derived

• quality of the experience

• met goals/expectations

2. Why did you leave your IGERT program?

Probes:

• nature of IGERT program

• role of interdisciplinarity – IGERT in particular

• things that might have prevented leaving

• things that might have made IGERT experience better

2. What did you do after you left your program?

Probes:

• pursue additional education

• type of first job sought and secured

• role of IGERT in jobs sought and secured

2. Are you working now? If so, please tell me what you are doing and how, if at all, your IGERT experience has influenced your career? [If current job is same as first job, use probes below]

Probes:

• if working, sector, job function, and title

• role of IGERT in securing job

• aspects of IGERT, if any, that use/contribute to job/career

2. If you were to enroll in a Ph.D. program again, would you consider applying to and enrolling in an IGERT program? Why?

2. Would you recommend an IGERT program to other prospective graduate students? Why or why not?

2. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your IGERT program?

2. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your decision to leave your IGERT program?

2. Is there anything else you would like to tell me about your career since leaving your IGERT program?

2. Do you have any questions or comments about the interview?