Authored by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD can prove to be a demanding and lengthy process. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a seamless and even thrilling adventure, assisting you in gaining a clearer perspective on your aspirations and interests. Here’s a basic overview for locating a PhD that fits your needs, based on my own experiences in discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Prior to embarking on your PhD search, consider the reasons motivating your pursuit. A PhD entails a commitment, and it is vital to ensure it corresponds with your goals and passions. A PhD provides training to become an independent researcher, which is vital for the career I wish to follow.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the liberty and creativity that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science would be constrained if I engaged in topics that did not captivate me, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to steer my project independently is a major benefit and one of my favorite features of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list for pursuing a PhD before you commence your search to confirm it’s something you genuinely desire – what do you envision a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally consists of several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting initial applications
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Making funding decisions
Interviews predominantly center on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your prior research background, and your approach to overcoming challenges. While preparing for interviews, I revisited my application materials, read pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to discuss them effectively and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Finding a project begins with identifying what type of research stimulates you, what work settings you excel in, and what competencies you wish to acquire through the PhD. Here are several resources that can help you find your PhD:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – check specific department pages where they outline all available PhD opportunities
- Centralised PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application experience might vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, necessitating the search for a research group involved in a project that I found engaging. I navigated through the Imperial website, discovered listings of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and explored their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial during my PhD search, I also consulted my lecturers about which research groups would align well with my interests. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The most important aspect is to engage with EVERYONE and seek as much feedback as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who identified their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub who connected them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Securing funding for your PhD
If you are not self-financed, there are numerous other <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/postgraduate-doctoral/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"