Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The journey to apply for a PhD can seem daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with the right direction, it can turn into a seamless and even exhilarating journey, enhancing your understanding of your aims and passions. Below is a basic outline for locating a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my own experiences with discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Prior to beginning your PhD search, it’s essential to clarify the reasons motivating your pursuit of a PhD. Embarking on a PhD represents a significant commitment, so it’s vital to verify that it corresponds with your ambitions and interests. A PhD cultivates skills necessary for becoming an independent researcher, which aligns with the career path I wish to follow.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the level of research independence and creativity found in academia. My enthusiasm for science would wane if I were engaged in topics that didn’t captivate me or performing experiments that didn’t resonate with my interests, which is why I selected a PhD project I was truly eager to delve into. The liberty to steer my research project in the direction I desire is another appealing factor and one of the highlights of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may appear, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding a PhD before initiating your search to confirm that it’s genuinely what you wish to pursue – what do you anticipate a PhD will offer you?
The procedure for applying for a PhD
The application process usually consists of multiple stages:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Conducting interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Determining funding options
Interviews frequently center around your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research involvement, and your problem-solving approach. When I was readying myself for interviews, I revisited my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to clearly and confidently articulate them in interviews.
Securing a PhD
Finding a suitable project begins with identifying the type of research that invigorates you, the working environment in which you excel, and the skills you aim to acquire from the PhD. Some resources to assist you in your PhD search include:
- University websites, like that of Imperial – search for specific departmental pages listing their available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and insights from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application process may vary from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so my primary task was to locate a research group focused on a project I was interested in. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, identified lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, perused their research descriptions, and examined their research outputs.
As I was already enrolled as a Master’s student at Imperial while exploring PhD opportunities, I consulted with my lecturers to identify research groups they felt 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 secret is to communicate with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as possible. I personally know a fellow PhD candidate who found their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub who subsequently connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.