Hi all! On Thursday I am meeeting my supervisor for first time. I guess the first meeting is very important because you set the stage for the rest of the working relationship. What do you think are the do's and dont's in this meeting and is there anything that you regret from your first meeting? (For example is it ok to show my nervousness and express my insecurities/stress/enthusiasm-in general be open or should I keep a more formal, "professional" attitude??

Good question, I'd be interested to know too!

Yes, DanB. I think "be yourself" is usually the best advice but isnt it the case that sometimes you have to be more "professional" (e.g. in an interview)? I was just wondering whether your relationship with your supervisor is a formal or an informal one!? Are you open with them showing emotions or more reserved?

I have a feeling that if I were a supervisor, I would much more trust/respect/consider reliable a student who was more "stable" and didnt show me every up and down that they felt, that it was more of a working relationship rather than a supporting every now and again one!I think the traditional professional advice "Keep your feelings out of it unless they are extreme" is probably the best way to go. Of course it depends on the supervisor, I just wanted to know your own experiences guys.

just be you. One of my supervisors is a big cheeze and everyone is formal with her - i am just normal - e.g. i told her i pulled on friday night... i get mroe attention than most because funnily enough, supervisors are human beings!!!

My first meeting went really well today, it was more of a welcome than anything else. I had the same supervisor for my MA so I know he is going to be great: he seems enthusiastic for me to help with a conference and give a paper in my first year...which is cool. If scary! But I want to be pushed, and when somebody has high expectations I think it helps motivate you.

I like to think you can be both professional and a person. I've never talked to any academic staff about personal problems, because if something is important enough I will reserve those for medical/psych professionals etc, or for those who can deal with the problem. I like to feel confortable, and relaxed. I don't like to burden (as I see it academic relationships with too much personal stuff. Though of course I like to talk about social stuff too. But I also like to talk shop, and that is after all what we are there for!