Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD might appear daunting, but with the right support, it can transform into an enjoyable and manageable experience, assisting you in defining your aspirations and interests. Here is a guide to identifying a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my experience with the application process at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Before embarking on your PhD search, take a moment to reflect on your motivations for pursuing one. A PhD entails a considerable commitment, so it’s crucial that it resonates with your goals and interests. It equips you with the training necessary to become an autonomous researcher, a vital skill for my professional ambitions.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the autonomy and innovation that academia offers. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I were to work on uninspiring subjects, thus I selected a PhD project that truly captivated my interest. The opportunity to steer my own project is a significant benefit and one of the highlights of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may appear, I suggest creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD prior to starting your search to confirm that it is indeed what you wish to chase. What are your expectations from a PhD?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application process typically consists of several steps:
- Searching for a PhD
- Filing the initial application
- Creating a shortlist
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or final offers
- Decisions on funding
Interviews generally concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. In preparation for interviews, I reviewed my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them convincingly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Discovering a project necessitates a grasp of what research excites you, the type of environment in which you flourish, and the skills you wish to develop. Some resources to locate your PhD include:
- University websites, such as those of Imperial – examine specific departmental pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Pages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application process may vary somewhat from yours. I obtained funding from my home country, which meant I had to find a research group with a project that piqued my interest. I navigated the Imperial website, uncovered lists of researchers and research teams at Imperial, read their research summaries, and looked into their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial while on the hunt for PhDs, I also engaged in discussions with my lecturers about appropriate research groups. I identified my current project supervisor from a list shared by my MSc course leader.
The crucial point is to engage with everyone and collect as much input as possible. I know a fellow PhD candidate who found their project by conversing with an acquaintance in a bar, who linked them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Funding your PhD
If you are not funding yourself, there are numerous PhD funding opportunities to consider, such as:
- Fully-funded PhD projects promoted by supervisors