Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can appear daunting, yet with proper guidance, it can transform into an enjoyable and seamless experience that aids in defining your aspirations and interests. Here’s a general outline for locating a suitable PhD opportunity, drawn from my own experiences with discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD?
Before embarking on your quest for a PhD, it’s vital to comprehend the reasons behind your desire to pursue one. A PhD entails a commitment, and confirming that it corresponds with your objectives and interests is paramount. A PhD provides training for becoming an autonomous researcher, a competency I deem essential for my professional goals.
In addition to technical skill development, I was drawn to the innovative freedom and creativity inherent in academia. My enthusiasm for science would dwindle if I were to engage in mundane topics and experiments, which is why I selected a PhD project that genuinely piqued my interest. The ability to direct my own project is a considerable advantage and one of my preferred elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of pros and cons regarding undertaking a PhD prior to commencing your search to ensure it is genuinely what you wish to pursue—what benefits do you envision a PhD providing for you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally consists of several phases:
- Searching for a PhD opportunity
- Submitting an initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews usually emphasize your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your strategy for addressing challenges. In preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused relevant literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and with confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates discerning what research inspires you, the type of environment where you excel, and the skills you hope to acquire. Some resources for uncovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as that of Imperial—examine specific department pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from faculty or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary somewhat from yours. I obtained funding from my home nation, thus requiring me to find a research group engaged in a project that intrigued me. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and their groups, read their research summaries, and explored their outputs.
While seeking PhD opportunities as a Master’s student at Imperial, I also consulted my instructors regarding appropriate research groups. My current project supervisor was identified from a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential point is to engage with EVERYONE and compile as much information as you can. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub, which ultimately led them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not self-financed, there are numerous funding options available for PhDs to investigate, including: