Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD can feel daunting and prolonged. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating journey, aiding you in clarifying your ambitions and preferences. Here’s a basic guide for locating a PhD that fits you, derived from my own experiences in discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Before initiating your PhD quest, it’s essential to comprehend the reasons behind wanting to pursue one. A PhD involves a significant commitment, and confirming that it aligns with your aspirations and interests is vital. It offers the training necessary to become an independent researcher, a skill fundamental to the career I aim to follow.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and inventiveness that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science can only flourish when I engage with subjects that captivate me and conduct experiments that I find meaningful; hence, I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to steer my project in the direction I choose is also a major advantage for me and one of my preferred aspects of initiating a PhD.
Thus, as straightforward as it might seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding a PhD before embarking on your search to confirm it’s truly what you wish to pursue – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally includes several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Conducting interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Decisions regarding funding
Interviews typically emphasize your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to challenges. When I was getting ready for interviews, I revisited my application, perused pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences so I could articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Finding a project first necessitates understanding what type of research inspires you, what working atmosphere you thrive in, and what skills you wish to acquire from the PhD. Some resources you can utilize for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – seek out specific department pages where they list all available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor web pages
- Academic networks and recommendations from educators or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application experience may vary from yours. For my PhD, I received funding from my home country, so I merely had to find a research group engaged in a project I was passionate about. To accomplish this, I navigated the Imperial website, found directories of researchers and research groups, reviewed descriptions of their work, and examined their research output.
As I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I conversed with my lecturers to identify research groups they believed would align well with my interests. I discovered my current project supervisor through a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial part is to engage with EVERYONE and seek as much feedback as possible. I personally know another PhD student who found their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.