Authored by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can be a daunting and protracted endeavor. Nevertheless, with adequate support, it can transform into a seamless and even thrilling experience, aiding you in clarifying your aspirations and interests. Below is a general guide for identifying a PhD that fits your needs, drawn from my experiences in locating, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why undertake a PhD?
Prior to commencing your PhD search, it’s essential to comprehend why you wish to pursue one. A PhD requires a significant commitment, and it’s vital to ensure it coincides with your objectives and passions. A PhD equips you with the skills to become an autonomous researcher, a necessary competency for the career I aspire to have.
Apart from technical expertise, I was drawn to the creative liberties and autonomy that academia provides. My enthusiasm for science will only go so far without engaging in subjects I find appealing and conducting experiments I care about, which is why I selected a PhD project that excited me. The ability to direct my project as I see fit is another substantial benefit for me and is among my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
Thus, as straightforward as it may seem, I recommend creating a pros and cons list regarding your pursuit of a PhD before you embark on your search to confirm it’s genuinely what you wish to chase – what do you anticipate a PhD will grant you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically consists of multiple phases:
- Search for a PhD
- Initial application submission
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding decisions
Interviews often concentrate on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research experiences, and how you tackle obstacles. During my interview preparations, I reviewed my application, perused relevant literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project necessitates first understanding what type of research excites you, the work environment in which you flourish, and the skills you aspire to acquire from the PhD. Some resources you can utilize for locating your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – look for specific departmental pages that list all their available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor websites
- Academic networks and suggestions from lecturers or supervisors
- Funding body and doctoral training center websites
My application process might vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, allowing me to focus solely on finding a research group engaged in a project I was passionate about. To achieve this, I explored the Imperial website, reviewed lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, delved into their research descriptions, and analyzed their research outputs.
Since I was already enrolled as a Master’s student at Imperial while searching for PhDs, I also consulted my lecturers about which research groups they thought would align well with my interests. I discovered my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups my MSc course leader provided.
The essential strategy is to converse with EVERYONE and seek as much insight as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project merely by chatting with a stranger in a pub.