Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Entering a PhD program can be a daunting and time-consuming journey. Nevertheless, with the right support, it can transform into a smooth and even exhilarating process, aiding you in clarifying your objectives and passions. Below is a general outline for locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my personal experiences of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why consider a PhD?
Before embarking on your PhD search, it’s vital to comprehend your reasons for wanting one. A PhD represents a significant dedication, and ensuring it corresponds with your aspirations and interests is essential. It offers training to develop as an independent researcher, a competence necessary for the career I intend to pursue.
In addition to technical training, I was drawn to the research autonomy and innovation that the academic world provides. My enthusiasm for science can only extend so far if I’m engaged in subjects I find uninteresting and conducting experiments I have no passion for, which is why I selected a PhD project that I was truly eager to delve into further. The ability to direct my project as I see fit is also a considerable benefit for me and stands out as one of my favorite elements of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a list of pros and cons regarding pursuing a PhD prior to beginning your search to confirm it’s genuinely what you wish to do – what do you believe a PhD will provide you?
The PhD application procedure
The application procedure typically includes several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting initial applications
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Deciding on funding
Interviews often center on your motivations for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research experience, and your problem-solving approach. In my interview preparations, I revisited my application, reviewed pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project first necessitates recognizing the type of research that excites you, the kind of environment where you excel, and the skills you wish to acquire from the PhD. Some resources you may utilize for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – seek out specific departmental pages listing all their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD platforms and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Webpages of research groups and supervisors
- Academic networks and referrals from lecturers or supervisors
- Websites of funding bodies and doctoral training centers
My application process may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so I only needed to locate a research group that was engaged in a project that interested me. To accomplish this, I navigated through the Imperial website, identified lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read their research descriptions, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial during my search for PhDs, I also consulted with my lecturers about which research groups they believed would be an excellent match for me. I found my current project supervisor from a list of research groups shared by my MSc course leader.
The essential thing is to talk to EVERYONE and gather as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger at a pub who introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.