Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can be daunting and time-consuming. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating experience, aiding you in clarifying your goals and interests. Here’s a general blueprint for locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my own journey of searching, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to embarking on your PhD search, it is essential to comprehend your motivations for pursuing one. A PhD entails a considerable commitment, and confirming it corresponds with your aspirations and interests is crucial. A PhD equips you with the training necessary to become an autonomous researcher, a skill imperative for the career path I plan to follow.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the academic freedom and innovation that academia presents. My enthusiasm for science can only extend so far if I’m involved in subjects I find uninteresting and performing experiments that do not engage me, hence I opted for a PhD project that sparked my genuine curiosity. The ability to guide my project as I see fit is also a notable benefit for me and ranks among my favorite features of pursuing a PhD.
Therefore, as straightforward as it seems, I recommend drafting a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD before initiating your search to confirm it is indeed something you wish to chase – what are your expectations from a PhD?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application procedure generally comprises several phases:
- Look for a PhD
- Submit an initial application
- Shortlist candidates
- Conduct interviews
- Receive conditional or formal offers
- Make funding choices
Interviews usually center on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research background, and your problem-solving methods. When preparing for my interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences so I could articulate them clearly and confidently during the interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project first necessitates an understanding of what type of research invigorates you, the working atmosphere in which you excel, and the skills you hope to acquire through the PhD. Some resources you can utilize for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like those of Imperial – seek specific department pages that list their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and suggestions from your lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding agencies and doctoral training centers
My application journey may differ slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I merely needed to locate a research group engaged in a project I found appealing. I accomplished this by navigating the Imperial website, discovering lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reading their research descriptions, and examining their research contributions.
As I was already enrolled as a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups might suit me well. I identified my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups that my MSc course leader had provided.
The essential approach is to engage with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as you can. I personally know another PhD student who discovered their project through