Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can seem daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with the right assistance, it can transition into a seamless and even thrilling journey, enabling you to gain a clearer insight into your aspirations and passions. Here’s a basic outline for locating a PhD that fits your needs, drawing from my own experiences in discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
What motivates the pursuit of a PhD?
Prior to launching your PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend your reasons for seeking one. A PhD involves a significant commitment, and it is vital that it aligns with your aspirations and interests. It offers training to develop into an autonomous researcher, a competence that is essential for the career path I intend to follow.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the research independence and inventiveness that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science would only reach a limited extent if I were engaged in subjects I find uninteresting and performing experiments I have no passion for, so I opted for a PhD project that truly piqued my curiosity for deeper exploration. The ability to guide my project’s direction is also a considerable advantage for me and stands out as one of my preferred features of undertaking a PhD.
Thus, as straightforward as it sounds, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before commencing your search to verify it’s entirely what you wish to undertake – what benefits do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application procedure generally consists of multiple stages:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting
- Interviews
- Conditional or official offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews often concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experiences, and your strategies for tackling challenges. As I readied myself for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during the discussions.
Locating a PhD
Finding a project first necessitates identifying what types of research invigorate you, the ideal working environment for your growth, and the skills you aim to acquire from the PhD. Some resources to assist in your search for a PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – investigate specific departmental pages listing their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages for research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application journey may differ slightly from yours. I obtained funding from my home country for my PhD, so I merely had to locate a research group engaged in a project I found compelling. To accomplish this, I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups, perused their research descriptions, and examined their outputs.
As I was already a Master’s student at Imperial during my PhD search, I also consulted my professors regarding which research groups they felt would align well with my interests. I identified my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups my MSc course leader shared with me.
The essential strategy is to communicate with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as possible. I personally know a fellow PhD candidate who discovered their project by talking to a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.