Yesterday, my work for the last month was supposed to end in a presentation to some of the higher ups at the university.
The team and I prepared as much as we could for a small presentation of the technology we'd developed. After I gave the practice presentation, they gave suggestions of what needed to change, and my professor even gave suggestions of how to better answer questions. I was told that this question training was necessary because he had already said everything he could, so now he wanted to have the students voices heard. So, with all the training and practice, I was ready for my presentation.
I gave the presentation, and it went without a hitch. No software glitches, no crashes, no real problems with my speaking. However, after the presentation, the grilling began. I was asked questions about all aspects of this project... business, customer's perspective, technical... and I was only prepared for a technical presentation. My professor sorta left me out to dry by not finding out what kind of presentation would be taking place.
We went thinking that they were just making sure that we were meeting our requirements on schedule. Instead, they seemed dissatisfied with the technology display, and instead decided to grill me (first) on other aspects. They even focused questions on members of our team that were there just to observe.
Finally, after putting everyone on the spot, we were asked to come up with another proposal outlining our plan for the next 6-8 weeks. Due in 24 hours. If the university likes it, they'll accept it and go after my professor's second patent. If they don't, we may be finished, in the way of financial support.
People keep telling me that it was "good experience", and I guess I agree, but the thing I took away from it was... when someone tells you they're gonna have you say things for them, because they've already said them... be suspsicious that they may be acting as a puppet master, pulling your strings to give their message through you.