Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
Seeking a PhD may feel daunting, yet with the right direction, it can transform into a seamless and even exhilarating adventure, facilitating a clearer understanding of your aspirations and passions. Here’s a general outline to help you locate a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my personal journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD
Prior to embarking on your PhD hunt, it’s essential to clarify your motivations for pursuing one. A PhD involves a substantial commitment, and it’s vital that it corresponds with your ambitions and interests. It offers the training needed to become an autonomous researcher, a competence required for the career I wish to follow.
In addition to technical skills, I was drawn to the academic realm’s research autonomy and creativity. My enthusiasm for science is limited if I engage in subjects I lack interest in and perform experiments I am indifferent about, which is why I selected a PhD project I was truly excited to delve into further. The ability to guide my project according to my vision is a considerable benefit for me and a highlight of the PhD experience.
Although it may sound basic, I recommend crafting a list of advantages and disadvantages regarding pursuing a PhD before you initiate your search to confirm it’s something you genuinely wish to undertake – what do you expect a PhD to offer you?
The process of applying for a PhD
The application journey typically encompasses various steps:
- Look for a PhD
- Submit initial application
- Shortlist candidates
- Participate in interview(s)
- Receive conditional or formal offers
- Make funding decisions
Interviews frequently center on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research involvement, and your approach to challenges. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to communicate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Finding the right project begins with identifying what type of research ignites your passion, which working environment suits you best, and what skills you wish to acquire during your PhD. Some resources to assist in your PhD search include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – seek specific departmental pages listing all available PhD positions
- Centralised PhD platforms and job boards like FindAPhD
- Websites of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and insights from lecturers or supervisors
- Funding organization and doctoral training center webpages
My experience with the application process might vary from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I merely had to locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. To achieve this, I navigated through the Imperial website, found directories of researchers and research groups, examined their research descriptions, and reviewed their outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups they recommended for me. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups that my MSc course leader provided.
The essential point is to converse with EVERYONE and gather as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who identified their project by conversing with a stranger in a bar who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you aren’t self-funded, there are numerous other <a href="