15 - Networks, networking and finding my place in the academic space

Summary

Applying for PhD programmes can be a daunting, difficult process. Having a support network – whether it is your current lab or friends doing PhDs – during the process is extremely helpful. I remember my first PhD application rejection; it hurt, but once I shared the news with my supervisor, he was very supportive and encouraged me to apply for other programmes. He advised me about the PhD application process and some of the realities of academia. As an undergraduate student at the time, I found my discussions with him highly valuable.

During this same time, at an Islamic Society ‘meet and greet’ social, I randomly met a fellow Somali who had just started a MRes- PhD programme at the same institution. We got along well, and he provided a more day- to- day description of what it is like to be a PhD student, and how applying for PhD programmes can be difficult if the support network is not present. Needless to say, he would inspire me and strengthen my resolve to pursue a PhD.

Through him I met an amazing group of other Somali PhD students and professionals, which has had a massive impact on my outlook towards the future of our community in the UK. As he told me stories about how other people landed offers for PhD programmes, it became apparent that who you know plays a big role, and that supervisors may have leftover funding or alternative funding to put together a PhD, which may not necessarily get traditionally advertised.

This made me aware of the importance of networks within academia, and that having good working relationships go a long way. My perspective on the PhD application process at the time was more rigid; I was more fixated on the formal application process, where the parties do not ‘know’ one another. Luckily, I had already developed a good working relationship with my supervisor and genuinely enjoyed the research and working with them.

I would see the power of networking during my master's year, where I ran into a supervisor collaborating with the previous group. We had a good chat and, by the end of our first meeting, he brought up the possibility of doing a PhD in his lab. It seemed too good to be true.