Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can be quite daunting and time-consuming. Nevertheless, with the right direction, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating journey, enabling you to gain a deeper insight into your aspirations and passions. Here is a general framework for discovering a PhD that complements your interests, drawn from my personal journey in locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Prior to commencing your PhD search, it is essential to clarify your motivation for pursuing a PhD. Engaging in a PhD represents a significant commitment, and confirming that it aligns with your aspirations and interests is vital. A PhD equips you with the expertise to become an autonomous researcher, which I consider essential for the career path I intend to follow.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the intellectual freedom and creativity inherent in academia. My enthusiasm for science can only reach its potential if I am engaged in topics that genuinely interest me and conducting experiments that I am passionate about. Thus, I selected a PhD project that I was truly eager to delve into further. The liberty to steer my project in the direction I wish is also a major benefit for me and ranks among my favorite features of pursuing a PhD.
Therefore, as straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of pros and cons regarding a PhD before initiating your search to confirm it is indeed what you desire—what do you envision a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically consists of multiple phases:
- Search for a PhD
- Initial submission of application
- Shortlisting process
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or official offers
- Funding determinations
Interviews usually concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research background, and your strategy for overcoming obstacles. When preparing for interviews, I revisited my application, perused pertinent literature, and reflected on my experiences so I could articulate them clearly and confidently during discussions.
Locating a PhD
To find a project, it is important to comprehend what type of research excites you, the kind of environment where you excel, and the skills you wish to acquire through the PhD. Some resources you might utilize to locate your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – search for specific departmental pages that list available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor web pages
- Academic networks and referrals from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience might vary somewhat from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I only needed to identify a research group focused on a project of interest to me. To accomplish this, I navigated the Imperial website, located lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and examined their research output.
Since I was already pursuing my Master’s at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding 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 takeaway is to engage with EVERYONE and strive to gather as much feedback as possible. I personally know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.