Forum:why I want to be a PhD student?

Question

[zizigolu]

Hello,

In my previous experience in being interviewed for a PhD project, usually I was asked why you want to be a PhD? what do you want to do in your PhD? mostly I replied what I think for example I want to learn more because during doing my thesis I have to and will learn a lot, I want to publish and strength my CV for my future scientific goals but interviewers finally told me you don't know what you want from PhD...

if you were me what did you reply instead?

[WouterDeCoster]

A PhD is also about personal development, getting independence and "growing" as a scientist.

Oh, and it's also about still writing code at 1AM.

[GenoMax]

Coding at 1 AM can be done by a person with the right chops but convincing your potential mentor about the first part may be difficult (say for introverts). Modesty is (used to be) considered a virtue in parts of the world but it becomes a hindrance elsewhere.

[GenoMax]

@F - Looks like you are ready to battle again after a break. That last experience (though we only saw/heard it from your perspective) was odd to say the least.

Many look at PhD as the next step after completing their master's since that is (chrono)logical next step. For some it may be a prestige issue. Having a Dr prefix before your name opens doors/garners respect. For some it may be the ticket to leave a place without opportunities. Have you considered if any of these categories apply? Unfortunately using any of these categories for an answer is not going to open that door to a PhD.

A necessity to reach the ultimate goal of being an academic may be (one of the) "right" answers here.

[zizigolu]

genomax2 and WouterDeCoster, thank you for your comments. you both cause I remember Jena, Python and two shining biostars.

Answer 1

[Joe]

This isn't a bioinformatics question, unless you're asking specifically about a bioinformatics career.

That said, the general points are the same...

Firstly, do not spout off a load of cliches about wanting to change the world, or broaden your knowledge - that kind of thing. Everyone who goes in to the interview room before and after you will probably try to reel off the same gibberish.

Doing a PhD 'because you want to publish' also strikes me as a poor reason - since there is no requirement to have a PhD to publish something.

Typically you should state reasons that are specifically linked to the field of study, for example:

"I've always been fascinated by x and this is a perfect opportunity to study it in depth."

or

"During undergraduate model x I discovered an intense interest in y and want to carry it on further."

The more specific you can be the better, because it proves to the interviewer that you've really considered the application for the position and that they aren't simple one of many applications you've sent out in a shotgun approach (even though we all know that is probably what happened).

[zizigolu]

thank you for your comment, yes I am applying in bioinformatics field.