In 2017/2018, I made the decision that I wanted to do a PhD, I applied for several PhD projects, got a few offers, but deep down I knew I was unsure of what I wanted to do and didn’t truly understand the research field that well. So, I rejected the offers and waited, gained some more research experience, gave myself sometime to discover what I love and what type of research environment I like.
So I applied again…..
In 2018/2019, I applied to several places with a better understanding of funding, the research environment I like and the type of research I would like to conduct and did a lot of digging. Low and behold I received offers/interview offers for all the PhD opportunities I applied to and right now, I’m in the best lab doing research into a topic with I like and enjoy.
Having said that, there were key things which I did to ensure that I give my self the best possible chance of succeeding and getting into the PhD programme of my choice as well as being in a healthy and stimulating research environment.
Here are some of my tips and advice;
- Use findaphad.com to look for project and funding opportunities.
- Contact the supervisor you want to work with and contact their past and present students.
- Prepare all you application material ahead of time, so your CV, personal statement and research proposal.
- Reach out to your references/referees ahead of time to give them an opportunity to write a reference letter way before your application deadline.
- Just believe in yourself and apply if you feel like doing a PhD is the right direction for you.
ALL THE BEST!
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