How to get a PhD: Part 2

A few more things every applicant should know about the PhD process…

Usually a university offers a range of PhD's in different subjects but don't be fooled into thinking they can afford all of them. Usually a large group can manage 2, 3 or 4 fully funded PhD places per year (depending on their previous successes) so if they don't have good enough candidates they don't make offers. Also, don't be afraid to ask for a different PhD topic if you're interested and know your potential supervisors have the relevant experience- my PhD wasn't offered on the website. You shouldn't be afraid to ask your Masters supervisors for help with finding out what's on offer either and if they put in a good word for you at the same time - all the better!

Once you've decided what you want to do and where you want to do it you have to fill in your application. It's usually a good idea to do this over the Christmas holidays of the year you intend to start your PhD the following September/October. It's worth taking a bit of time to fill in the application form properly, but mostly you need to worry that your CV is up to date and your personal statement highlights your enthusiasm for your subject as well as proof that you have the required skills to complete a PhD. You know the kind of thing: teamwork, time management etc. but try and tailor it to match specific skills you will need for the PhD you are applying for e.g. experience of relevant programming languages. You will also need references for your application, so make sure you have good relationships with some academics at your current university so your potential employer knows you can happily work with other people. You can get 100% in your Masters degree but if you can’t work well with others no one will offer you a PhD.

You've submitted your application and they've called you for an interview. Congratulations! Typically a panel of your potential supervisors and an external member of staff (who will check your general scientific ability) will interview you. Expect to discuss your Masters project in detail and prove you have some idea about what you intend for your future career. There are no right answers here. Usually saying 'I want to be a professor' will just make you come across as naive if you're not passionate about it, as most PhD students don't go on to be academics.

I’ve always found interviews to be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s very important to meet your potential employer and find out where you would be working. Try not to forget that you're interviewing them too. You need to make sure you'll be able to work with your potential supervisors and that you feel comfortable working in your chosen lab/office. I’ve heard stories of interviews where the candidates have been treated so badly those that have offered the place haven’t accepted it – and so have your interviewers!  If they want you to work for them (and don’t want someone willing to work themselves into an early grave – which should definitely not be you!) they will be understanding and make you feel welcome. That said, don’t expect that they won’t ask you any difficult questions – they will. You won’t know the answers sometimes – this is allowed. In the case of a PhD interview they are usually checking that you’re ok with not knowing the answers, as this is what a PhD is all about. You will spend a lot of your time not knowing the answer to some burning question and you’d better be ok with that!

You've been offered a PhD! Wow! Oh. Now you've been offered another one. They both want you to make a decision. Oh dear - didn't think of that. Whatever your reasons and whatever your decision be sure you don't leave it too long. Typically you get a few weeks to decide but while your feeling pleased with yourself someone else is waiting to hear whether they've got a place or not.

Apologies to those of you who know all this already - I just always wished that someone had told me before I got involved in all of this!