This chapter is a practical guide to securing a PhD position in AI. It explains how to identify labs that match your interests, assess advisor style and lab culture, and make initial contact in a way that shows real alignment. It clarifies what professors look for in a CV and how informal screening often works, including discussing early research ideas. The chapter also covers reference letters and funding, emphasizing that resources and constraints shape both your experience and your research direction. It closes with advice on staying engaged after applying.