Created by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD journey may appear daunting and protracted. Yet, with the right support, it can evolve into an enjoyable and seamless experience, aiding in the clarification of your objectives and passions. Below is a broad framework for discovering a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my own experiences with researching, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to initiating your search for a PhD, it is vital to discern your motivations for undertaking one. A PhD demands dedication, and confirming that it corresponds with your aspirations and interests is essential. It equips you with the skills necessary to develop as an autonomous researcher, a capability that is crucial for my intended career trajectory.
In addition to the technical skillset, I was enticed by the independence and innovation that academia provides. My fascination with science diminishes when I engage with topics that fail to captivate me, thus I opted for a PhD project that truly sparked my interest. The latitude to guide my research project is a significant advantage and one of my beloved elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend compiling a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD before embarking on your search to affirm it is a commitment you genuinely wish to make – what do you envision a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application procedure typically encompasses various stages:
- Locating a PhD
- Submitting an initial application
- Creating a shortlist
- Participating in interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Decisions on funding
Interviews generally concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to challenges. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and with confidence.
Locating a PhD
Finding a suitable project begins with recognizing what type of research invigorates you, the environment where you flourish, and what skills you aim to acquire during your PhD. Some resources you can utilize to discover your PhD include:
- University platforms, such as Imperial’s – examine specific department pages listing available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD databases and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and referrals from educators or mentors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary somewhat from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home nation, necessitating that I locate a research group engaged in a project that interested me. I explored the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and examined their output.
Being a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups they believed would be a good fit for me. I identified my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups shared by my MSc course leader.
The crucial aspect is to communicate with EVERYONE to gather as much feedback as possible. I am aware of a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project through a chance exchange with a stranger in a bar, leading them to their present principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
In case you are not self-financed, there exist many <