Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD journey may appear daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into a fulfilling endeavor that clarifies your ambitions and inclinations. Here’s a roadmap inspired by my experience of locating, choosing, and submitting applications for a PhD at Imperial.
Why undertake a PhD?
Prior to beginning your PhD search, take the time to comprehend your motivations for pursuing one. A PhD represents a considerable commitment, and it’s vital that it resonates with your aspirations and passions. It equips you to become an independent researcher, a capability that I consider vital for my professional objectives.
In addition to technical education, I was drawn to the autonomy and inventiveness present in academic fields. My enthusiasm for science would be constrained if I were to engage in mundane topics or experiments. Therefore, I selected a PhD project that truly fascinated me. The liberty to direct my project is a significant benefit and one of my favorite features of a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I highly recommend creating a pros and cons list for pursuing a PhD to verify it’s the right choice for you. What do you aim to achieve through a PhD?
The PhD application journey
The application process typically involves several phases:
- PhD search
- Initial submission of application
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Decisions regarding funding
Interviews often delve into your motivations, understanding of the project, prior research background, and your problem-solving strategies. To prepare, I reviewed my application, studied relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to discuss them with confidence during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates recognizing what research energizes you, your preferred work setting, and the skills you wish to acquire. Resources for finding a PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s, featuring department pages that list available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application journey may differ from yours. I secured funding from my home nation, requiring me to find a research group with an engaging project. I browsed the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research teams, read their research descriptions, and analyzed their contributions.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I also sought advice from lecturers about appropriate research groups. My current project supervisor was identified from a list provided by my MSc course director.
The essential strategy is to engage with everyone and gather as much feedback as possible. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub who connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-funded, investigate a variety of PhD funding opportunities such as:
- Fully-funded PhD projects advertised by supervisors
- Studentships from UK Research Council
- External funding from research councils, charities, and industry
- Scholarships and fellowships for specific demographics or research fields