Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD may appear daunting, yet with appropriate assistance, it can transform into a smooth and even exciting experience, aiding in defining your aspirations and passions. Here’s a general roadmap for discovering a PhD that fits you, derived from my personal encounters with searching, choosing, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD?
Prior to commencing your PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend your motivations for wanting to pursue one. A PhD represents a substantial commitment, so ensuring it resonates with your aspirations and interests is crucial. A PhD equips you with the training to become a self-sufficient researcher, a capability I regard as vital for my intended career trajectory.
In addition to the technical training, I was drawn to the academic world’s freedom and creativity in research. My enthusiasm for science diminishes when dealing with unengaging topics or performing experiments that do not inspire me, thus I opted for a PhD project that genuinely captivated my interest for further exploration. The ability to guide my project in my preferred direction is a significant benefit for me and one of my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As simple as it might sound, I recommend creating a pros and cons list for undertaking a PhD before you embark on your search to affirm it’s genuinely something you wish to pursue – what do you anticipate a PhD will give you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically consists of several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Filing the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interviews
- Receiving conditional or formal offers
- Funding evaluations
Interviews frequently center around your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your past research experience, and your approach to overcoming challenges. In preparation for interviews, I revisited my application, perused pertinent literature, and reflected on my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project first necessitates understanding which type of research motivates you, what working environment you thrive in, and what skills you aim to acquire during the PhD. Some resources you can utilize to discover your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – search for specific department pages that list available PhD opportunities
- 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 experience may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I obtained funding from my home nation, so I had to locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. I navigated the Imperial website, discovered listings of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read descriptions of their research, and examined their research output.
As a Master’s student at Imperial during my PhD search, I also sought advice from my lecturers on which research groups might be a good fit for me. I found my present project supervisor from a list of research groups provided by my MSc course leader.
The critical factor is to converse with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who located their project through a discussion with a stranger in a bar, who then introduced them to their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.
Funding your PhD
If you’re not self-financed, there are numerous <a