Authored by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can feel daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even invigorating journey, aiding you in clarifying your aspirations and interests. Here’s a general outline for discovering a PhD that aligns with you, drawn from my own experiences of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates you to pursue a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, it is essential to grasp why you wish to pursue one. A PhD signifies a significant commitment, and confirming that it aligns with your objectives and passions is vital. It offers training to cultivate independence as a researcher, a competency essential for the career I aspire to.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovation that academia facilitates. My enthusiasm for science can only flourish if I engage with topics that truly captivate me and execute experiments I find meaningful, prompting me to select a PhD project that I was genuinely eager to delve into. The liberty to steer my project in my desired direction is also a considerable advantage for me and one of my preferred elements of undertaking a PhD.
Thus, as straightforward as this may seem, I recommend crafting a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before initiating your search to ensure it’s entirely something you wish to undertake – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
Navigating the PhD application journey
The application journey generally comprises various stages:
- Locating a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Conducting interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Determining funding options
Interviews often emphasize your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming challenges. When preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with discerning what type of research excites you, the working conditions where you excel, and the competencies you wish to acquire through the PhD. Helpful resources for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – look for dedicated department pages listing all their available PhD opportunities
- Consolidated PhD platforms and job boards, such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience might vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I merely needed to discover a research group engaged in a project I found intriguing. To achieve this, I navigated through the Imperial website, accessed lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read up on their research descriptions, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while exploring PhD options, I also consulted my lecturers to find out which research groups they believed would suit me well. I identified my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial part is to communicate with EVERYONE and seek as much feedback as possible. I personally know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project through