Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can seem daunting and time-consuming. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a straightforward and even thrilling journey, aiding you in clarifying your aspirations and passions. Here’s a basic guide to locating a PhD that fits you, derived from my own experiences of seeking, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Prior to initiating your PhD search, it is essential to comprehend the reasons behind your desire to undertake one. A PhD demands commitment, and ensuring it resonates with your aspirations and passions is vital. A PhD equips you with the expertise needed to become an autonomous researcher, a necessary skill for the career I aim to pursue.
In addition to technical knowledge, I was drawn to the liberty and creativity that academia provides. My passion for science can only reach its full potential if I am engaged in subjects that captivate me and conducting experiments I find meaningful, which is why I opted for a PhD project that genuinely piqued my interest. The opportunity to steer my project in the direction I envision is also a significant advantage and one of my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding the pursuit of a PhD before launching your search to verify it’s something you genuinely wish to undertake – what do you anticipate a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey generally consists of several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Attending interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Finalizing funding decisions
Interviews often emphasize your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming challenges. When I prepared for my interviews, I revisited my application, reviewed relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them compellingly and confidently during the interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with understanding what type of research excites you, the work environment you thrive in, and the competencies you wish to acquire through your PhD. Some resources you can utilize to find your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – check specific department pages where they list all available PhD positions
- Central PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages for research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and advice from professors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations and doctoral training centers
My application journey may differ 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 intrigued me. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, identified researchers and research groups there, read about their research, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while exploring PhD opportunities, I also consulted my instructors regarding research groups that they believed would suit me well. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The secret is to engage with EVERYONE and seek as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger at a pub who connected them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.