Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can feel daunting, yet with the right guidance, it can transform into a smooth and thrilling adventure, allowing you to gain clarity on your goals and interests. Here’s a general outline derived from my own experience of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Before embarking on your search for a PhD, it’s essential to comprehend your motivations for wanting one. A PhD represents a considerable commitment, so it’s important to ensure it aligns with your aspirations and interests. A PhD provides training for becoming an independent researcher, which I consider vital for my career goals.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the flexibility and ingenuity found in academia. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when I delve into subjects that don’t captivate me, so I opted for a PhD project that truly piqued my curiosity. The autonomy to guide my project is a significant advantage and one of the most enjoyable elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding your decision to pursue a PhD before you initiate your search, ensuring it’s a path you genuinely wish to take. What do you believe a PhD will provide for you?
The PhD application journey
The application procedure usually includes several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting your initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Conducting interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Making funding decisions
Interviews frequently center around your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and how you confront obstacles. In preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, scrutinized relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them with clarity and confidence.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project involves recognizing what research ignites your interest, the working environment where you excel, and the skills you aspire to develop. Several resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – explore department pages for available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards, like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor websites
- Academic networks and referrals from faculty or supervisors
- Websites for funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary slightly from yours. I obtained funding from my home country, necessitating the identification of a research group focused on a topic of interest. I scoured the Imperial website, located lists of researchers and research teams at Imperial, read their project descriptions, and examined their outputs.
During my time as a Master’s student at Imperial while I was on the lookout for PhDs, I also consulted with lecturers about appropriate research groups. I discovered my current project supervisor through a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The essential approach is to engage with everyone and gather as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD candidate who found their project merely by conversing with a stranger in a pub, who subsequently connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.