Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD can feel daunting and time-consuming. Nonetheless, with the right support, it can transform into a smooth and even exhilarating journey, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your aspirations and preferences. Here’s a brief guide for locating a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my own experiences in finding, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why seek a PhD?
Before you embark on your PhD search, it’s important to clarify your reasons for wanting to pursue one. A PhD is a significant commitment, and making sure it aligns with your aspirations and interests is vital. A PhD offers training to become an independent researcher, a skill I deem essential for the career path I wish to follow.
In addition to technical expertise, I was drawn to the academic freedom and creativity it provides. My enthusiasm for science can only flourish if I’m engaged with topics I am passionate about and conducting experiments that interest me, leading me to select a PhD project that I was genuinely excited to investigate. The ability to guide my project’s direction is also a considerable advantage for me and one of the most appealing elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I would suggest creating a pros and cons list regarding undertaking a PhD before commencing your search to ensure it’s truly what you want to do – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application process
The application process typically consists of several stages:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting your initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews often concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and how you tackle challenges. In preparing for interviews, I revisited my application, delved into relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Finding a suitable project begins with identifying what type of research excites you, the ideal work environment for you, and the skills you aim to develop through the PhD. Some resources to aid in your search for a PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – search for specific department pages that list their available PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and recommendations from professors or supervisors
- Funding agencies and doctoral training center websites
My application journey may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I merely needed to locate a research group engaged in a project that interested me. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, found lists of researchers and research groups, read descriptions of their research, and explored their research output.
As I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers about which research groups would likely be a good match for me. I discovered my current project supervisor from suggestions my MSc course leader provided.
The key is to engage with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as you can. I personally know another PhD student who discovered their project through a chance conversation with a stranger in a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.