Why I chose to study PhD Chemistry at Birmingham

For me, pursuing a PhD was a long-term goal, made possible by a combination of undergraduate and Masters experiences, and a lucky opportunity with the right project.

One of the main reasons I wanted to do a PhD was the career opportunities it can offer. In STEM, many companies view a PhD as valuable experience, and for some roles, it is even a requirement. While my motivation was largely driven by my interest in and passion for research, knowing that a PhD could also strengthen my future job prospects encouraged me further to apply.

Another important factor was the appeal of independent research. Between finishing my Masters and starting my PhD, I worked in several roles that varied in the level of independence. Through these experiences, I realised that I enjoy research most when I have the freedom to plan experiments, structure my own days, and explore problems in depth, something a PhD offers daily.

After finishing my Masters, I initially wanted a break from academia. During this break, however, I found myself back at university working as a research technician in a biology lab. It was here that my decision to return to academia as a PhD student was solidified. Being part of this environment allowed me to experience the encouraging research culture and supportive network at Birmingham in particular. Working closely alongside PhD students gave me insight into how they operate and showed me that while a PhD can be challenging, it can also be extremely rewarding.

The biggest reason I chose to study a PhD was that I was genuinely interested in the subject and the specific project. After finishing my Masters, I looked at PhD advertisements every month, but none stood out. Then, after two years, I found the project I now call mine. It built on my skills and knowledge from my undergraduate and Masters degrees, while introducing new elements I was excited to explore. The project aligns with my future research interests but offers flexibility, not limiting me to a single career path.

Just as important as the project itself was having the right supervisor, which played a key role in my decision to pursue this PhD. Before applying and interviewing, I met with my supervisor over Teams to discuss the project, and I immediately felt she would be a great fit for me in terms of her values and approach. That conversation reassured me not only about the project but also about the support and guidance I would have throughout the PhD.

Ultimately, my decision to pursue a PhD was the culmination of several factors coming together, alongside waiting for the right timing and the right project.