Hello everyone, I am considering starting a PHD in Industrial Engineering and I have alot of questions. The first one is about research experience. Some background.

I have been working in industry for 7 years, in that time I have earned a A.A.S in Computer Integrated Technology, a BSET in Mechanical Engineering Technology, and a ME in Engineering Management. All of my degrees were obtained while working full time. My undergrad GPA was around 2.7 and my masters is 3.6.

My current job involves a lot of R&D, spending time in labs running experiments to obtain data in order to backup design changes for our product line.

When I took the GRE for grad school I didn't do well but my work experience combined with academic trend was enough to get my foot in the door.

Doing research online I have seen many different views on what it takes to get into a PHD program. One trend I noticed was that if you have research experience that can help offset low GPA and GRE scores. So will my work experience in R&D count as research in a PHD application? I am confident that I could do better on the GRE (I didn't study or anything last time just went and took it).

Additionally my work has agreed to pay for my PHD (Classes don't know about research Funding).

Because I works as a product design engineer at a manufacturing facility I am hoping that I can find something to research that will apply at my work. Therefore as part of my day to day job I can do research that will benefit the company and therefore they would kick in for funding. We have a lot of labs and equipment so I am confident that I will have access to many resources.


My question is based on everything I have talked about do you think my chances of getting into a program are good? Will my work experience count as research on a PHD application?

I don't have experience in the US system so I can't provide much feedback.

I know in Australia, a combination of grades & experience were considered for applications. Grades were what determined funding though.

I think in your case, you stand a good chance but my background is in social science, so perhaps in engineering your experience would be highly regarded.

I am not US-based either. However, in the UK relevant works experience in Science and Engineering does help with a PhD application.

For example, if you left Uni. with a 2(ii) grade then say three to five years works experience might make you the equivalent of a 2(i) for the purposes of the application.

The best thing you can do is ask the Uni. running the PhD programme.

Ian