The importance of applying for funding early in your career

During my PhD journey, I had a peer named Denis who was known for his remarkable ability to travel the world. From the beaches of Brazil, where he collected samples for his research, to a research stay in San Francisco, and even to Las Vegas for a conference – Denis was always on the move. On average, I dare say, he secured funding for trips three times per year.

Some of these trips significantly advanced his scientific progress, while others were simply a chance to unwind and explore new places. His knack for convincing funding bodies about the necessity of his travel plans made Denis stand out. He became so skilled at it that by the end of his PhD, he could confidently say, ‘If I apply for funding these days, I always get it.’

Denis didn’t need these trips to complete his PhD, which was fully funded from the start. However, he was the first among our peers to secure a permanent academic job, landing a prestigious position in the United States.

Most PhD students I work with in my workshops have never applied for a grant. To them, writing one feels like preparing for a distant doomsday event – something to be done only when absolutely necessary, when all other options have run dry. And it’s no wonder: most of them already know that applying for grants is an absolute misery and a pain in science – because that’s exactly what everyone has been telling them. They see senior scientists and professors struggle with the process, often finding it difficult and stressful, with meagre chances of securing funding. Professors give them the impression that obtaining financing is like winning the lottery – completely unpredictable, a matter of luck. But while some good fortune is needed, it’s not a lucky game of throwing coins. It’s a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice, much like chess. It involves strategy, planning and convincing skill development, which are honed over time.

Moreover, students often assume that grant writing is reserved for postdocs or those without a secure income source. ‘Isn’t that for people who couldn’t find funding for their PhD?’ or ‘Maybe that’s something you’d do if your research group is broke and can’t afford to send you to conferences’ are common sentiments I hear. This reluctance, however, can cost them valuable opportunities – not only in research but also in shaping the trajectory of their future careers.

Get a head start

Here’s the twist: securing your own funding – scholarships, travel grants, or fellowships – is a golden ticket to success. And not just in academia. The ability to secure funding is highly prized in non-governmental organisations, industry and practically any field where bringing in money is appreciated (which, let’s face it, is everywhere). In today’s competitive landscape, obtaining grants is essential for building a long-term scientific career. The competition is fierce, so the earlier you start, the better.

Applying for smaller, more accessible grants early in your career provides invaluable experience and teaches you the ins and outs of proposal writing. These early wins not only boost your confidence. Research has shown that individuals who secure small grants early in their careers are more likely to win more significant, more prestigious funding later on. Obtaining even small grants signals to other funding bodies that experts recognise your research.

Denis didn’t have a 100% success rate from the start, far from it. His first few grant proposals were met with rejections. But instead of being discouraged, he asked the funding bodies for feedback, took note of where he went wrong and refined his approach. Each time, his proposals got stronger, his justifications more compelling and his arguments tighter.

This cycle of feedback and improvement is one of the most valuable aspects of applying for grants early on. Denis learned what funding bodies wanted to see: clear, well-defined objectives, a feasible plan for spending the money, and a convincing argument for why the research mattered. By the end of his PhD, his success rate skyrocketed, and this grant-writing practice became second nature. I thought he even saw it as a fun game to play. As a result, when job offers came around, Denis had a rich portfolio of independently funded projects, which made him stand out to potential employers.

Beyond the financial benefits, the process of writing and winning grants can profoundly impact your personal development. When you secure funding, you are empowered to shape your own research path. Want to conduct a research stay in a city you’ve always dreamed of visiting? Or perhaps you have a side project that your PhD funding won’t cover but you’re eager to explore. By securing your own financing, you can pursue these ambitions. It’s a form of career autonomy that few PhD students realise they can achieve.