To those of you who were in the biotech industry before PhD studies what was your PhD app like?

[coffeebeforebed_]

Trying to get some inspiration. I work at one of the largest biotech companies now as a research scientist and I am applying to PhD programs this cycle. Academically, my profile is not the best. But research-wise, I've done well. For those of you who were in industry before PhD studies, what kind of industry job did you hold? What was your academic profile like? Do you think your industry experience made up for your academic performance?

[7layermagik]

Sorry I don't have an answer, but just have a similar question to add on. I have significant postbac academic research experience (~3 years) yet this application cycle isn't going as well as I'd like... if I need to reapply in a year or two I'm wondering if working in biotech would be okay as long as I'm still working with relevant techniques/field I'm interested in. Pro: Would save up good money. Cons: Industry is frowned upon by academics? Wouldn't publish either, but from my experience getting a good pub even with significant postbac research isn't a guarantee. The other option is to try and move to a high profile academic lab to hopefully boost the impression of my application.

Also, coffeebeforebed, have you enjoyed working in industry? What techniques do you use/have learned and what field is it?

Edited December 29, 2018 by 7layermagik