Bio career center - SOP, Cover Letter, Resume , Guidance

As with buying a home, the decision of which Ph.D. project is very dependent on location. Mobility and varied experience are very important in research training and careers. It is quite acceptable to stay in the same institution for an undergraduate and post-graduate degree (provided of course that it is respected and well-resourced), but if this is the case the next stage ( really involve geographical movement (if possible abroad). However, personal constraints on movement (such as family commitments) are recognised and taken into account in later appointments. In choosing a university or research institution and department, several factors need to be taken into account, but perhaps most importantly those of reputation and standing in the field.
In the UK this is readily determined by checking the Research Assessment Exercise,RAE score (Grade 4 is good, Grade 5 is excellent). Similar ‘league tables’ of research excellence exist in most countries, but it is important to consider the subject area in which you want towork. It is no good getting into a mediocre biology department in a university noted for its excellence in history and theology. All universities and research institutes worldwide now have excellent websites, providing detailed information of ongoing research, facilities and training for graduate students. The nature of the Ph.D. has changed significantly over the past decade.

Previously the ‘apprenticeship’ system prevailed, where one or two students worked side by side with a supervisor who devoted time and effort to training their students in all aspects of science. While this is still the aim, in reality most supervisors who are successful in research have several Ph.D. students, as well as other research staff to look after, and many other pressures on their time. Because of this, it is important to look at the training which may be available in the department. Are courses available specifically for graduate students? Will there be tutors or advisers to help if problems arise, or, if your supervisor is not available, is there a healthy population of graduate students to interact with? Have graduate students in the department in the past completed their Ph.D.s successfully (and on time) and secured good positions thereafter? If you cannot find this out by asking your current tutors or by searching for information, ask when you visit – any reasonable prospective supervisor will be impressed by your foresight. Although the system has changed significantly, choosing the right supervisor is just as important now as it always has been.