Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can appear daunting and protracted. However, with the right direction, it can transform into an enjoyable and even exhilarating journey, allowing you to clarify your aspirations and interests. Here’s a generalized guide to locating a suitable PhD, drawn from my own journey of seeking, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Prior to beginning your PhD search, it’s essential to grasp your motivations for wanting one. A PhD entails a significant commitment, and confirming that it resonates with your ambitions and interests is vital. A PhD equips you with the training to develop as an independent researcher, a skill I deem crucial for my desired career path.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the academic landscape for its research independence and creativity. My enthusiasm for science can only flourish when I engage with topics of genuine interest and conduct experiments I am passionate about, which is why I selected a PhD project that truly intrigued me. The autonomy to steer my project in my preferred direction is also a substantial advantage for me and ranks among my most cherished elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD before initiating your search to ascertain that it’s something you genuinely wish to undertake – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application process commonly encompasses several phases:
- Search for a PhD
- Submit initial application
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding outcomes
Interviews typically concentrate on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research background, and your approach to overcoming challenges. During my interview preparations, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences so that I could articulate them clearly and confidently during the interviews.
Locating a PhD
<pIdentifying a project necessitates discerning what type of research ignites your passion, the working environment in which you excel, and the skill set you seek to develop through the PhD. Some resources you might utilize to discover your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – search for specific departmental pages detailing their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards, such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and endorsements from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home nation, so I merely needed to identify a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. To accomplish this, I explored the Imperial website, accessed directories of researchers and research groups, read research descriptions, and examined 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 believed would suit me well. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The key is to engage with EVERYONE and strive to gather as much feedback as possible. I personally know a fellow PhD candidate who located their project through conversing with an unfamiliar individual.