Hi,

Some of you may recall I started a thread on here a few months back about wanting to do a PhD. Well, in a nutshell, following completion of my degree, I've stayed on at the uni to work with the research group that my final year project was with.

This group is soon starting a new project and advertised for a PhD student. I asked about it and was told they'd be "delighted" if I applied, and that because of my knowledge of the project (part of my work now is actually laying the foundations), I'd probably be the front-runner.

However, I've now found out there were plenty of applications, so I'm a bit anxious as to my chances.

A PhD is something I really want to do, so I was thinking ahead, beyond potentially not being successful for this position.

I'm not really sure what I'm wanting to ask here (although I know in my head what I'd like to know!). Basically, how likely is it that I will end up doing a PhD? That is to say, if someone really wants to do one and is academically-capable, will they get a project eventually?

Also, how likely is it to get funding for a proposal made by a potential student themselves? Because I can sense they would like me to stay on at the uni, so I was wondering (again, based on me being unsuccessful for this position) if it would be a bit cheeky to ask if they have any other areas in which I could make a proposal?

Sorry if this is a bit vague!

Hi Mark

Assuming that we're in different countries with different eligibility criteria and different higher ed systems, I still think that if you want to do a PhD badly enough, and have the grades to get in, then it will happen. I think it's also fine to ask about other areas in which you could make a proposal and about funding. You need to put yourself out there! You could also think about other areas you'd like to research, then speak to potential supervisors about this. Maybe have a chat with the head of your project at the moment about this, so they don't get put out if they hear that you're talking to other academics about other possible projects.

Also, be a bit more confident! If you're already working on the project, and they want you, assume you'll get it! And then put in a killer application.

Hi, Sue.

Thanks for the reply.

My application for the current position is already in (it was just my CV I had to send) and I made sure there was plenty of emphasis on my experience in the field and my experience of research in general (I had to do paper searches and present a seminar on some topics as part of my undergrad degree). I'm still feeling quietly confident about the application, but hearing there's plenty of other people in for it is a bit unsettling. I have also been going over the sort of things I could be asked in the interview (which is due in the next fortnight) and I think the responses I've got for the "standard" questions are quite good...not least because they're completely honest (e.g. "why do you want this PhD position?" => "I think it would be exciting to work on a project that I believe has the potential to revolutionise the Internet and...").

As for other academics, I'm going to be having lunch with one on Monday (along with some friends for whom she's their supervisor), so if the conversation turns to work-related stuff, all I have to do is sound impressive and hope she decides I'd make a good student!

Well it sounds as if it's all going swimmingly and you're doing everything right! ...then you too will be on here lamenting the pitfalls of being a PhD student...;-)

Good luck! Let us know how you get on.

An update:

I had an interview today and I think it went really well. It lasted for almost an hour and we were discussing my various interest areas with respect to the overall project that the studentship will be a part of. I was also pointed in the direction of "How To Get a PhD", so I'm not sure if that's a positive sign or not.

I'll find out the outcome on Monday...nervous wait till then!

Sorry to post twice in a row, but with a decision due tomorrow I'm understandably nervous!

Although it will be impossible for anyone here to know exactly who applied and how a decision will be made, I wonder someone could rate my chances:

> Having seen all the other CVs, and compiled the shortlist, he told still told me I had "the edge" over others
> I'm the only applicant who has exact experience, that is I know the project and have been working on the groundwork for it (i.e. I don't just have "abstract" experience "in the field" -- I have concrete experience in the actual project)
> As noted above, I'm currently working for the person whom would be my supervisor and he seems very impressed with my work
> Related to the above, he mentioned that he couldn't speak to referees for me because it's him and he knows how good I am
> When asked about what I'd potentially like to research (it's a very open topic), I happened to say something that he had written a "laying the foundations" paper on less than a year ago (without realising he'd done this)
> I was told who had been appointed to the two RA positions that will be part of the project
> When explaining the reason why I was presented with an award I mentioned on my CV, it turns out the same concept will also be explored in the project

However,

> He mentioned the length required from a thesis and compared it to the 12,000 words of my BSc dissertation; I answered with "so long as I'm enjoying a project, and I'm sure I will enjoy this one, I'll have no problems writing it up. And in any project, I also write as I go along"
> Reading papers - how would I cope? I said that when I put my mind to a task, I usually achieve the goals whether it be devising an algorithm, or reading a complex text. If there's something I don't understand, I'll keep at it.
> Presenting - if I needed to represent the research group at a conference, would I be capable? I said that although I hadn't had the opportunity to present to any more than about 70 people, I feel I'd be capable of doing it to a larger audience

I suppose this post is perhaps me just trying to convince myself that I did well at the interview. But I'm also worried that there's maybe someone out there who applied that has a First, a Masters, experience in the field and is highly charismatic so would be excellent at conferences!

So I suppose the question is: if you were a supervisor, would you take me on over the aforementioned "perfect" person?!

3rd post in a row... :$

Seems I was fretting for nothing...I got the post :-) :-) :-)

You must have been the perfect candidate then, well done! (up)