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 thrilling experience, aiding you in gaining clarity regarding your ambitions and passions. Here’s a basic guide for discovering a PhD that fits you, derived from my own journey of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates you to pursue a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend your reasons for wanting to undertake one. A PhD involves a significant commitment, so it’s vital that it corresponds with your aspirations and interests. It equips you with the training to become an autonomous researcher, a crucial skill for the career path I aspire to follow.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the academic freedom and creativity that the field provides. My passion for science would diminish if I worked on subjects that failed to engage me and conducted experiments of little interest, which is why I opted for a PhD project that I was sincerely keen on delving into. The ability to guide my project in the direction I envision is also a major advantage for me and ranks among my favorite features of pursuing a PhD.
Thus, as basic as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of advantages and disadvantages for undertaking a PhD before you initiate your search to confirm it’s something you are genuinely eager to pursue – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
Navigating the PhD application process
The application process usually encompasses several steps:
- Search for a PhD
- Submit the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviews
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding determinations
Interviews primarily concentrate on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to obstacles. When I was preparing for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and reflected upon my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Identifying a PhD
Locating a project begins with discerning what type of research invigorates you, the kind of working environment where you excel, and the skills you aim to acquire from the PhD. Here are some resources you can utilize for finding your PhD:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – seek out specific department pages where they showcase all their available PhD openings
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and referrals from educators or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application journey may differ slightly from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home country, so I needed only to identify a research group involved in a project that fascinated me. To do this, I perused the Imperial website, located lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read their research descriptions, and reviewed their research outputs.
As I was already enrolled as a Master’s student at Imperial while seeking PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups they felt would suit me well. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups my MSc course leader had provided.
The crucial aspect is to engage with EVERYONE and endeavor to gather as much insight as possible. I personally know another PhD student who landed their project by conversing with an unfamiliar individual in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
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