Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may feel daunting, but with the right assistance, it can be an enjoyable and seamless experience, aiding you in refining your objectives and passions. Here’s a guide drawn from my experience in locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, it’s crucial to comprehend your reasons for wanting one. A PhD represents a significant commitment, and it should resonate with your aspirations and interests. It equips you with the training necessary to become an autonomous researcher, a skill I consider vital for my professional journey.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the scholarly freedom and innovation present in academia. My enthusiasm for science would diminish if I engaged with tedious subjects or experiments, thus I opted for a PhD project that genuinely sparked my interest. The capacity to direct my project is a significant advantage and one of my preferred elements of undertaking a PhD.
Although it may sound straightforward, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD before commencing your search to ensure it is a path you genuinely wish to follow—what do you anticipate a PhD will provide you?
Understanding the PhD application journey
The application journey typically consists of several phases:
- PhD exploration
- Initial submission of the application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding outcomes
Interviews frequently concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. To get ready, I revisited my application, engaged with relevant literature, and took time to reflect on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD opportunity
Identifying a project necessitates an understanding of what research invigorates you, the environment in which you flourish, and the skills you aspire to develop. Some resources for locating your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – browse department pages for available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD directories and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor websites
- Academic networks and recommendations from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centres
My application journey might vary from yours. I secured funding from my home country, necessitating that I locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. I navigated the Imperial website, reviewed lists of researchers and research teams at Imperial, read their research summaries, and looked into their outputs.
As a Master’s student at Imperial, I also reached out to my professors regarding appropriate research groups. I discovered my current project supervisor through a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial aspect is to engage with EVERYONE and accumulate as much feedback as you can. I know a fellow PhD student who identified their project by conversing with a stranger at a pub, who then connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Securing funding for your PhD
If you are not self-funded, there are numerous PhD funding avenues to investigate, including: