Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can feel daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating experience, aiding you in gaining clarity about your aspirations and passions. Here’s a basic outline for locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my own journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates you to pursue a PhD?
Prior to commencing your search for a PhD, it’s essential to grasp the reasons behind your desire for one. A PhD requires dedication, and confirming that it aligns with your aspirations and areas of interest is vital. A PhD equips you with the skills needed to become an independent researcher, which is a competency I deem crucial for my intended career path.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovation that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science diminishes if I’m tackling subjects I’m indifferent to and carrying out experiments I have little interest in, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to steer my project in my chosen direction is another significant advantage and one of my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it seems, I recommend creating a pros and cons list before you begin your search to confirm it’s genuinely something you wish to pursue – what do you anticipate a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The process of application generally consists of several phases:
- Research potential PhDs
- Submit initial application
- Shortlist candidates
- Interviews
- Conditional or formal acceptance
- Decisions on funding
Interviews often center on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. When I prepared for interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with comprehending what type of research excites you, what environment you excel in, and what skills you seek to acquire from the PhD. Some resources that can assist you in finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – check specific department pages where they display all their available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD directories and job portals such as FindAPhD
- Pages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and suggestions from professors or mentors
- Funding agency and doctoral training center websites
My application experience may vary from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home country, so my main task was to find a research group focused on a project that caught my interest. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, examined lists of researchers and research groups, read summaries of their work, and delved into their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial during my search for PhDs, I also consulted my professors regarding which research teams they felt would suit me well. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups my MSc course leader had provided.
The key is to engage with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as you can. I know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by chatting with a stranger in a pub, who then put them in touch with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If