Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The journey of applying for a PhD can appear daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and exhilarating experience, helping you gain clarity on your aspirations and passions. Below is a general guide to locating a PhD that suits your needs, drawing from my own journey at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to embarking on a PhD search, clarify your motivations for wanting one. A PhD entails a significant commitment, making it essential that it aligns with your objectives and interests. It equips you with the skills necessary to become an independent researcher, which I consider vital for my professional goals.
In addition to technical expertise, I was drawn to the creative freedom and innovation that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I were engaged in unexciting subjects or experiments, so I selected a PhD project that genuinely captivated me. The autonomy to steer my project is a significant benefit and one of my preferred features of the PhD experience.
Although it may sound straightforward, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding your PhD pursuit before initiating your search to confirm it’s the right direction for you—what do you envision a PhD will offer?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application process typically consists of several phases:
- Identifying a PhD
- Submitting the preliminary application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviews
- Receiving conditional or official offers
- Determining funding
Interviews usually concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. In preparation for my interviews, I reviewed my application, studied relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Discovering a project involves knowing what research excites you, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you wish to develop. Resources for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like those of Imperial—explore department pages for available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD hubs and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and suggestions from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application journey may vary slightly from yours. I obtained funding from my home nation, so it was necessary for me to locate a research group engaged in a project of interest. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research teams at Imperial, examined their research summaries, and reviewed their contributions.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I also consulted with lecturers regarding suitable research groups. I was introduced to my current project supervisor through a list provided by my MSc course coordinator.
The essential takeaway is to communicate with as many individuals as possible and gather diverse perspectives. I know of a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by striking up a conversation with a stranger in a pub, which led them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you aren’t self-funded, there are numerous PhD funding opportunities to investigate, including