Hi. I'm a newly turned 60 year old looking for my next adventure. Is there a PhD in my future? Is it in Europe? I see many opportunities for 20-30 year olds on your web site understandably, but is there an opportunity for someone like me to take on another challenge while living and studying abroad?

I have 35 years of experience working for private firms providing consulting, engineering and information technology services to the US Government here in Virginia. My Physics and Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degrees and Masters of Business Administration have been instrumental in providing me the opportunities to support customers with consulting services. My focus has generally been on operational issues around improving government services using information technology.

Can I leverage my education and professional experience to focus PhD studies on a topic that will have an impact on society?

Big questions, I know. Any advice you can provide will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

What makes you think the opportunities advertised on this website are for 20-30 year olds?
There is no age limit for a PhD and you are certainly not too old to undertake one.
I am sure there are older people than you on here who have done so.

You should look for opportunities which excite you and take it from there without regard for your age.
I should warn you though about your expectations. It is highly unlikely your PhD will have any serious impact on society (whatever you really mean by that). PhD students are rookie researchers. They are really designed to train you up for future impact.

How exciting! Go for it! My only suggestion is only come to Europe / UK if it's for the cultural experience and not the educational one. I'm going to get shot down for saying this I'm sure... but it's just my opinion.