Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can be daunting and protracted. However, with the right advice, it can transform into a seamless and even thrilling journey, aiding you in clarifying your aspirations and passions. Here’s a basic guide for locating a PhD that fits your needs, informed by my personal journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to embarking on your PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend your reasons for wanting to pursue one. Committing to a PhD is substantial, and it’s vital to ensure it resonates with your aspirations and interests. A PhD equips you with the skills needed to become an independent researcher, a capability essential for the career I aspire to have.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the independence and imaginative scope that academia affords. My enthusiasm for science has its limits if I’m engaged in subjects that do not pique my interest and conducting experiments that do not excite me, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to direct my project according to my vision is another major benefit for me and stands out as one of my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
Therefore, as straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list for undertaking a PhD before you initiate your search to confirm it’s a pursuit you genuinely wish to undertake – what benefits do you anticipate a PhD will offer you?
The PhD admissions procedure
The admissions process generally comprises several stages:
- Search for a PhD
- Submit initial application
- Shortlisting process
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews usually center around your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your prior research background, and your problem-solving approach. When I was getting ready for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with recognizing what type of research inspires you, the working environment in which you excel, and the skills you aim to acquire through the PhD. Some resources you can utilize for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – search for specific departmental pages listing their available PhD opportunities
- PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor web pages
- Academic networks and referrals from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application journey may slightly vary from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so my main task was to locate a research group engaged in a project that fascinated me. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, identified lists of researchers and research groups, read about their research, and reviewed their research outcomes.
As I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while on the lookout for PhDs, I also consulted with my lecturers regarding which research groups they recommended for me. I discovered my current project supervisor from a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential strategy is to communicate with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who found their project by chatting with a stranger at a pub who subsequently linked them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.