Bachelors in IT
M.Sc in IT Management.

I started a job in a university. Always thought I wanted to do corporate work. Eventually I liked academia for its research and applying research ideas into teaching. For the first 2 years I was trying to switch back to an industry IT job. However for the past 4 years I have been applying for PhD programs in software engineering, computer science, HCI and IT but no luck (my thesis was on gamification). I've tried for funded programs in UK, Finland, Norway, Germany and Australia but nothing.

I am now applying for programs again but I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I've presented two papers in THE top conference for software engineering. I have had my cover letters and applications reviewed by several friends and peers. To improve my programming knowledge, I am self teaching different programming languages and statistical analysis tools. I've run out of self-esteem, self-confidence and patience.

Just look to get any advice or pointers.