Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Applying for a PhD may feel daunting, yet with the right support, it can become a seamless and thrilling experience, helping you pinpoint your goals and passions. Here’s a basic guide to locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why chase a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, take the time to reflect on your reasons for wanting one. A PhD represents a substantial commitment, so make sure it corresponds with your objectives and interests. This degree prepares you to be an independent researcher, a competence I deem vital for my career ambitions.
In addition to the technical skills, I was drawn to the freedom and innovation that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science diminishes if I engage with dull topics or experiments, so I selected a PhD project that genuinely fascinated me. The ability to steer my project is a significant advantage and one of the aspects I cherish most about pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it sounds, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding pursuing a PhD before initiating your search to confirm it’s something you genuinely wish to undertake—what do you believe a PhD will bring to you?
The PhD application journey
The application procedure typically encompasses several steps:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting an initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Decisions regarding funding
Interviews commonly concentrate on your motivations, comprehension of the project, previous research experiences, and methods for tackling challenges. In preparing for interviews, I reviewed my application, studied pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to discuss them clearly and assuredly.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates an awareness of what research stimulates you, the environment in which you flourish, and the competencies you aim to acquire. Some resources for discovering your PhD consist of:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – examine departmental pages for available PhD opportunities
- Centralised PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor websites
- Academic networks and advice from teachers or supervisors
- Webpages of funding bodies and doctoral training centres
My application process may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my native country, so I had to locate a research group engaged in a project that intrigued me. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read research descriptions, and investigated their output.
As a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers about appropriate research groups. I discovered my current project supervisor from a list provided by my MSc course leader.
The crucial point is to converse with everyone and collect as much feedback as you can. I know a fellow PhD student who found their project by chatting with a stranger in a pub who linked them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Financing your PhD
If you’re not self-funding, there are numerous PhD funding options to investigate, including: