Kailyn Alexander interviews Dr. Kenneth Jones, Pioneer Academics Professor
Interviews for Top Jobs at Pioneer Academics
Student Researcher Interview
I applied online. I interviewed at Pioneer Academics (Philadelphia, PA) in Jan 2019
Interview
Interview questions were questions like “choose x adjectives to describe yourself” and activities outside of school. Mostly asking about how you spend your time and time management. Also includes a brief written portion.
- If you were asked to write a 5 page research paper for a news site how long would it take you, approximately?
Coordinator of Scholarships Interview
I applied through other source. I interviewed at Pioneer Academics
Interview
Excellent! Well organized. Learned additional information about the organization that was not on their website. Offer received in a very timely manner. Very professional! Positive experience. Would highly recommend Pioneer!
- Typical interview questions were asked.
Interview Interview
I interviewed at Pioneer Academics
Interview
went well- general interview. The interviewer asked several questions like a college interview. Be prepared, respectful, and courteous- and it will go well. Very well known research program and very prestigious
- What are your extra curriculars?
None
If you were in charge, what would you do to make Pioneer Academics a better place to work?
Give flex days once a week instead of once a month; pay for overtime; eschew useless weekly meetings (only hold meetings when absolutely necessary to increase productivity).
What tips or advice would you give to someone interviewing at Pioneer Academics?
Read the website about the mission and how the program works.
How would you describe the pace of work at Pioneer Academics?
There is no pace
Other students are motivated by the opportunity to join the Pioneer community, and the promise of producing significant work. Pioneer scholar Marvin, from Hong Kong SAR, learned about the program from one of his friends, who completed the program in 2020 and who introduced him to the website. Although he was “quite ambivalent as the deadline was closing in, what strengthened my decision was the prospect of producing an articulate piece of research and speaking to past Pioneer scholars, the friendships that I would forge through Pioneer Academics with the professor and fellow students.”
One important aspect of applying to Pioneer is the student’s individual suitability for the program. Over the last two years, Pioneer Academics has received 7716 applications from 87 different countries, with very different educational styles. Lucia Murillo says, “the biggest challenge when recruiting new students is making sure that they understand what the program is.” Since Pioneer wants all Pioneer scholars to accomplish their goals, understanding the academic system is critically important. Nikita encourages potential scholars to think about their own attitude to academics. “Research isn’t for everyone. It involves a lot of reading. Writing your research paper should be enjoyable. You have to consider whether or not you like doing research.”
Nikita and Mila sum up the experience of most successful Pioneer scholars. Mila says, “Pioneer was a head start on my university experience.” And Nikita says, “I’m very grateful for Pioneer.” Pioneer Academics ©️. All rights reserved.
Pioneer scholar Crystal, from Shanghai, China, summarizes what many scholars say about writing the essays: “It’s important for you to be real.” Pioneer scholar Kaushal, from California in the US, also offers another common piece of advice: “It matters if you’re passionate about your own field. Share that, and your own story as well, what kind of person you are.” Mila found that the essays “were not difficult to write because they were about my interests and who I am as a person.” Nikita advises “leveraging your past experiences.” When she applied to Pioneer, she was already writing independent research papers and doing a lot of reading, so she mentioned that in her essays. “Pioneer isn’t looking for experts,” she says, “they’re looking for eager students.”
What happens when a student is not accepted into the program? Sometimes it’s just a matter of timing. Both Kaushal and Crystal applied unsuccessfully in their sophomore years, and again, successfully, when they were juniors. Both used the extra year to do additional study, increase their knowledge in their fields, strengthen their applications—and mature. Being rejected is not a pleasant experience, but, Kaushal says, “I should not have taken it so personally.” And, he advises, “Don’t give up.”
PILOT INTERVIEW Questions And Answers! (How to PASS an Airline Pilot Interview)
1. What is CRM process as Airline Pilot? The systematic and effective use of all available resources to ensure a desirable outcome and completion of the flight. Focusing on communication, teamwork, task allocation, decision-making and situational awareness. The major contributors in the CRM process are: Dispatchers, flight attendants, maintenance, ATC and of course the cockpit crew.
2. What is the MAP on a non-precision approach? Non-precision: MAP is usually visually identified by a capitol and bold “M” in the Jepps or at the end of the solid line on NOS. There are several ways to id the MAP: Published DME at the MAP, Navaid such as the middle marker (MM), or timing from the FAF
3. What is the importance of proficiency in several languages for a pilot? A private pilot may limit himself to knowledge of English good enough to understand control towers. Other pilots, being more publicly involved figures by necessity, greatly benefit from knowing more than one language.
4. What is your Proudest accomplishment? Becoming a pilot and graduating from college as to be the biggest accomplish so far.
5. What is the 1-2-3 rule? Requirements for filing an alternate. 1-2-3: 1hr before to 1hr after estimated time of arrival, the weather must be forecast to be 2000′ ceiling and 3SM vis.
6. What makes a good captain or what do you expect from a Captain? one that is knowledgeable, decisive, conservative and safety conscious, good people skills, superior communication skills, solid piloting skills, can manage stress and avoid confrontation
7. List your qualifications as a pilot? Besides relevant college degree(s), pilots graduate from flying school and participate in annual additional training.
8. What is GRID MORA? It’s an altitude derived by Jepp or provided by state authorities. If derived by Jepp, Grid MORA clear all terrain and structures by 1000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5000′ MSL or lower. MORA values clear all terrain and structures by 2000′ in areas where highest elevations are 5001′ MSL or higher. Grid MORA (State) altitude supplied by the State Authority provides 2000′ clearance in mountainous areas and 1000′ in non-mountainous areas. Also… a +/- denote doubtful accuracy but are believed to provide sufficient reference point clearance.
9. What is the definition of CRM? CRM is a system which allows optimum use of all available resources – equipment, procedures, interpersonal communication, team work – all to promote safety and enhance efficiency in operations
10. What is Vso of your most recent aircraft? Cessna 172 is 41Kts
11. What is the max distance from the runway if you were to circle to land? Depends on your speed
12. Have you applied anywhere else? Just be honest on this one. If you are in the job hunt, it’s normal to apply to several companies. It’s great to tell them that Cathay is your top choice, but it would be suspect to say Cathay is your only choice.
13. What is mach tuck? As the aircraft reaches critical mach the nose of the aircraft tends to pitch downwards due to the flow of air over the wing reaching supersonic speeds producing additional life and center of pressure moving rearward. As the center of pressure moves rearward the elevators become less effective, pushing the aircraft into a potentially unrecoverable dive.
14. What is tower’s NORDO signal to be cleared to land? Steady green
15. What is VMCG? minimum speed control in the ground
16. What is the difference between Blue, Green Airports? blue is IFR (has approaches) green is VFR (no approaches)
17. What is GRADIENT CLIMB? 3%
18. What is VMCA? Minimun Speed Control in the Air
19. What is windshear? its a change on direction and speed of the wind
20. What is MOCA? Minimum Obstacle Clearance that provides obstable clearance between Vor airways. It also ensures VOR coverage 22nm from the nearest VOR
21. What is hyperventilation? hyperventilation is when the body has too much Oxygen and not enough Co2
22. Ever had an emergency? yes, many over the years
23. Pilots have many simultaneous responsibilities during the flight. What can you tell me about this? Pilots navigate the flight, observe and direct the activities of the crew, check instruments, keep an eye on the weather, and monitor altitude and air traffic. Doing all these and more, often simultaneously, requires outstanding multi-tasking skills and power of concentration.
24. What are the max airspeeds in C airspace? 200 KIAS within 4 NM of Primary Class C Airport
25. How would you behave as the pilot of a plane during an emergency? Describe first what your emotional response would be. It is important to demonstrate, preferably through examples, that you can maintain your poise during such events, and that you possess enough presence of mind to activate emergency procedures and delegate duties among crew members as necessary.
26. Where do you see yourself in 6 months? with your company
27. Did you ever have to modify the flight course in the past? Pilots are able to modify the course in flight, if this is dictated by internal or external conditions. This is not a small responsibility and needs careful coordination with control towers and scrupulous attention to detail.
28. What Is V2? takeoff safety speed
29. What Is Max A/s In Class C? Airspeed maximum of 200 knots indicated within 4 nautical or 5 statute miles and 2500 feet above the ground of the primary airport.
30. What Are The Cdi/raim Sensitivities Of A Gps Outside 30nm? Inside 30nm? +- 5 mi +- 1 mi
31. What Is The Effect Of Aft Cg On Performance? rearward Cg gives better fuel efficiency
32. What Is An Lda? a precision approach that is offset from the runway, it may have GS
33. Where Is The Faf On A Vor/ils Approach? On a VOR approach, the FAP is whenever you are established on course inbound and the final decent may be started. For non-precision approaches, the FAF is the “Maltese Cross” and for precision, the arrow which identifies the GS intercept.
34. Why Cape Air? big airline paneer
35. What Kind Of Airspace Is Around Lax? Class B. Very congested airspace.
36. What Is V1? Take off decision speed
37. What is hypoxia? Lack of oxygen to body tissues
38. Why do you like Compass? I like the new modern equipment and I like the fact that it’s got flow through to/ is part of Northwest.
39. What is a squall line? It is a continuous narrow line active of thunderstorms ahead of cold front but can develop far removed of any front. May be too long to detour, too thick to penetrate. It forms very rapidly reach Max intensity in late afternoon or early evening. IT IS THE SINGLE MOST INTENSE WEATHER HAZARD FOR AIRCRAFT.
40. Why do you want to work for Allegiant? growing company, day trips, upgrade potential
41. Why Ameriflight? I’d like to fly cargo and gain the single-pilot IFR experience
42. Did you ever have a problem with an F/O? Yes
43. What is your clearance limit when cleared for the approach and then you loose coms? The published hold on the missed.
44. What is MEA? Minimum En Route Altitude, lowest altitude on that airway that assures obstacle clearance and acceptable navigational reception.
45. What is Definition of V2? Single engine climb speed until safe altitude or clear of obstacles
46. What is Definition of V1? on a balance runway it is the last chance for you to decide not to go if you have and emergency and still stop on the runway according to the air data
47. What is the definition of Hypoxia? Not enough Oxygen
48. What is the seating capacity of the Dash 8 100 and 300 and how many flight attendants you need? DA-100 (37) DA-300 (50) FA 1
49. Tell me the biggest factor as far as fuel conservation goes as it relates to a jet engine? TSFC thrust specific fuel consumption which directly inperpolates to power setting and altitude. Higher you climb the less fuel required. Throttle settings also have a say in conservation and relates more to maintenance issues which is why full throttle takeoffs are rarely done.
50. What qualities make a good captain? Confident, Diligent, Good CRM skills, Good Problem Solver
51. What’s your choice of base? PDX or Seattle
52. World Airways Pilot Interview Questions:
53. Flight Express Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
54. Lion Air Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
55. LAN Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
56. Miami Air International Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
57. Mokulele Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
58. Ryan International Airlines Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
59. Seaborne Airlines Pilot Interview Questions:
60. XOJET Airline Pilot Interview Questions:
As part of its social mission, Pioneer Academies dedicates funds every year to provide need-based scholarships for students to participate in the Pioneer Research Program. These funds are limited and their use is restricted to cases in which a students financial need status can be reliably accredited. Students are eligible for these scholarships in countries where need can be assessed or if they are part of a partnering non-profit organization or an partnering educational institution that can assess need.
Both terms have the same number of sessions and content, however the work intensity of the spring-through-summer term is lower due to the term’s longer duration. In either term, students have five international cohort sessions and five individual sessions or more if the professor sees necessary. Regardless of which term students are admitted to, students receive the same amount of program guidance, college credit, and program resources.
The Pioneer Research Program’s admission process is holistic and rigorous. Students need to submit online applications with essays, school transcripts, and school counselor assessments. Pioneer has a unique procedure of verifying transcripts and assessments. If the application passes the screening process, students will be invited to interview. After the interview, there will be two rounds of the reviews before Pioneer Academics offers conditional admission, waitlist or rejection. If a student accepts the conditional admission, Pioneer Admissions will conduct concluding procedures which may include subject testing and committee review before full admission is granted.
Examples of past research topics include Gravitational Waves and LIGO, The Political Economy of International Development, and Film Noir and Its Contexts. During the program, Pioneer Academics trains students through a research methodology seminar series, provides students with ethical writing guidance through its writing center, and, through Pioneers collaboration with Oberlin College, grants students access to a comprehensive online library with a full suite of undergraduate databases, journals, and a collection of over 100,000+ e-books. Upon completing the program, a high school research scholar will earn college credit and receive an objective evaluation of their work certified by Pioneer Academics (which can be submitted along with students college applications).
In the rigorous academic system, students work in their fields of interest with a professor in small international groups, and then conduct research one-on-one with that faculty mentor, culminating in a full-length research paper. Faculty mentors hail from the most distinguished US research universities and liberal arts colleges. Since 2012, around 3000 students from 58 countries and regions have participated in the program.
FAQ
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