Does working experience helps?

[warwicker]

I worked in the defense industry for coming 6 years and have applied for a PhD program in Operations Research. Was wondering if working experience helps in my application although it is not mandatory or pre-requisite for doing a PhD. thanks

[HappyEngineer]

Yes. You bet it definitely helps. 

[warwicker]

Thanks for that. It makes my day. Hopefully, the admission committee really take them into positive consideration. 

[victor.s.andrei]

Thanks for that. It makes my day. Hopefully, the admission committee really take them into positive consideration. 

 

Yes. It does help. Make sure you discuss your experience in your SOP and how it - plus your degree program - would help you further your career goals.

[Gregg30]

Absolutely it helps.  Any kind of experience is always a good thing.  If you had any internships too, that will be a plus.  I know that colleges, like (https://purdueonlineengineering.com/), recommend that you do some sort of internship, especially for networking reasons.  

[nic_t12]

i have the same concern. considering i have already told me manager that i will be going to grad school in the fall. quiting job and not getting into grad school will be an absolute disaster. hopefully my work experience will help a lot, since i will be applying to the same field as I am working on right now.

[KennedyMeiji]

Same issue here but I'm sure I can stay on if I don't make it