Written by Shayma, PhD in Genomic Medicine
The process of applying for a PhD can be daunting and time-consuming. Yet, with the right support, it can become a smooth and even exhilarating journey, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of your passions and goals. Here is a broad overview to help you locate a PhD that matches your interests, derived from my own experiences in identifying, choosing, and applying for a PhD at Imperial.
Why embark on a PhD?
Before you commence your search for a PhD, it’s essential to clarify your motivations for wanting one. Pursuing a PhD is a major obligation, and confirming that it corresponds with your ambitions and interests is crucial. A PhD provides the education needed to become an autonomous researcher, a skill I deem necessary for the career I seek.
In addition to technical instruction, I was drawn to the research autonomy and creativity that academic life provides. My enthusiasm for science can only go so far if I’m engaged in subjects that do not captivate me and carrying out experiments that lack my interest, so I opted for a PhD project that genuinely intrigued me. The ability to direct my project as I see fit is also a significant advantage for me and ranks among my favorite elements of pursuing a PhD.
As straightforward as it may seem, I recommend crafting a pros and cons list regarding the decision to pursue a PhD before initiating your search to ensure it’s indeed what you wish to undertake – what do you believe a PhD will bring you?
The PhD application journey
The application journey typically includes several phases:
- Searching for a PhD
- Submitting the initial application
- Shortlisting candidates
- Interview(s)
- Conditional or formal offers
- Funding resolutions
Interviews usually concentrate on your reasons for applying, your grasp of the project, your previous research experience, and your approach to overcoming obstacles. When preparing for interviews, I revisited my application materials, perused relevant literature, and reflected on my experiences so that I could articulate them clearly and confidently in discussions.
Locating a PhD
Locating a project necessitates first understanding what type of research ignites your enthusiasm, what environment you flourish in, and what competencies you wish to develop through the PhD. Some resources you might utilize for discovering your PhD include:
- University websites, like Imperial’s – check for specific departmental pages where they list available PhD positions
- Centralized PhD portals and job boards such as FindAPhD
- Research group and supervisor webpages
- Academic networks and referrals from instructors or supervisors
- Websites of funding organizations 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 find a research group that aligned with my interests. To accomplish this, I navigated the Imperial website, discovered lists of researchers and research groups at Imperial, reviewed their research descriptions, and examined their research outputs.
Since I was already a Master’s student at Imperial while seeking PhD opportunities, I also consulted with my lecturers on which research groups they believed would suit me well. I identified my current project supervisor from a compilation of research groups my MSc course leader had shared with me.
The critical point is to engage in conversation with EVERYONE and gather as much feedback as you can. I personally know a fellow PhD student who discovered their project after conversing with a stranger in a pub who connected them.