Composed by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can feel daunting and protracted. Yet, with the right direction, it can transform into a seamless and even thrilling journey, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of your aspirations and interests. Here’s a basic guide to assist you in selecting a PhD that aligns with your career path, derived from my personal journey of locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to beginning your PhD search, reflect on your reasons for wanting one. Committing to a PhD is significant, and it’s essential to ensure it complements your aspirations and preferences. A PhD provides the training needed to become an autonomous researcher, which is vital for the profession I aim to enter.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovation that academia facilitates. My enthusiasm for science would be constrained if I focused on subjects that didn’t engage me and conducted experiments that failed to inspire me, so I selected a PhD project that I was eager to delve into. The ability to steer my project in my desired direction is another notable benefit and one of my preferred elements of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may sound, I recommend creating a pros and cons list before you commence your search for a PhD to confirm it’s genuinely what you wish to pursue – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The application procedure for a PhD
The application journey typically comprises several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Determining funding options
Interviews generally concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your prior research background, and how you tackle obstacles. To prepare for my interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with figuring out what type of research invigorates you, what environment enhances your productivity, and what competencies you aspire to develop during your PhD. Some resources for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, such as that of Imperial – seek out specific department pages where they advertise their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and advice from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience might vary from yours. For my PhD, I received financial support from my home country, which meant I just needed to locate a research group engaged in a project I found appealing. To accomplish this, I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers about which research groups they recommended would be a suitable match for me. My current project supervisor emerged from a list of research groups my MSc course director provided.
The essential thing is to communicate with EVERYONE and seek as much advice as you can. I personally know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by engaging with a stranger in a pub who subsequently linked them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you are not self-funded, there are numerous other <a href="https://