Written by Shayma, PhD Genomic Medicine
Embarking on a PhD application can feel daunting and protracted. Nevertheless, with appropriate guidance, it can transform into a smooth and even exhilarating journey, aiding in the clarity of your aspirations and interests. Here’s a general framework for locating a PhD that fits you, drawn from my personal journey of discovering, selecting, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Reasons to pursue a PhD?
Prior to initiating your search for a PhD, it is essential to comprehend your motivations behind wanting to pursue one. A PhD represents a significant commitment, and ensuring it corresponds with your goals and interests is vital. A PhD equips you with the training necessary to become an independent researcher, a skill essential for the career I aim to pursue.
In addition to technical education, I was captivated by the research autonomy and inventiveness inherent in academia. My enthusiasm for science can only extend so far if I am engaged in subjects I find uninteresting and performing experiments I am not passionate about, which is why I selected a PhD project that I was truly excited to investigate further. The liberty to steer my project in the direction I choose is also a considerable benefit for me and represents one of my preferred aspects of undertaking a PhD.
As straightforward as it may appear, I recommend compiling a pros and cons list for pursuing a PhD before commencing your search to ensure it is truly what you wish to chase – what do you believe a PhD will offer you?
The PhD application procedure
The application procedure generally encompasses several phases:
- Search for a PhD
- Initial application submission
- Shortlisting
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding determinations
Interviews usually concentrate on your reasons for applying, your comprehension of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming challenges. In preparing for interviews, I revisited my application, studied pertinent literature, and contemplated my experiences to articulate them clearly and confidently during interviews.
Locating a PhD
Identifying a project begins with understanding what type of research inspires you, what working conditions are conducive to your success, and what skills you aim to acquire from the PhD. Some resources you can utilize for finding your PhD include:
- University websites, such as Imperial’s – check specific departmental webpages for listed open PhD opportunities
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards like FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and suggestions from lecturers or supervisors
- Funding agency and doctoral training center websites
My application experience may vary slightly from yours. For my PhD, I secured funding from my home country, so my primary task was to locate a research group engaged in a project that piqued my interest. To achieve this, I navigated the Imperial website, examined lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, read summaries of their research, and investigated their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial during my PhD search, I also consulted my lecturers regarding which research groups they believed would align well with me. I discovered my current project supervisor from a list of research groups provided by my MSc course director.
The key is to engage with EVERYONE and aim to gather as much feedback as possible. I know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project by conversing with a stranger in a pub who connected them with their current principal investigator (PI) and PhD supervisor.