Can work experience help my application?

[WishfulThinker]

I'm wondering if something like 6 months of working experience as a software developer can really help my application, as I have no research experience. For a Master's program (thesis based) application, that is.

[ssk2]

It can't harm your application - but the only way it will really help is if it's highly relevant to your proposed concentration. The more selective the employer, the better too since this implies you've met their tough hiring criteria.

[DFitz]

On a related note for future visitors to this thread - work experience can also help for applicants with minimal background in CS.

 

My undergrad degree was not in CS (economics) but I am confident that my two years work experience helped my applications. It also helped me tell a cohesive story for why I'm moving into CS in my SOP.

[SANDIEGO]

Yes, it can help substantially. You'll be bringing industry skills that others won't have and experience with working under pressure with deadlines. Depending on the specific industry experience you have, it can be anything from a tiny boost to being equivalent to research experience.

[MikKar]

It should be, but it depends on whether you're lucky enough someone bothers reading your resume fully or not (with 2500+ applications, I am guessing panel admissions won't even bother if they don't beyond the summary paragraph). I have been working in R&D for almost 3 years, when I applied to Graduate Schools (Top 20), I didn't even get close to a phone interview. Mailing professors is useless as they never bothered answering back.

 

The only thing that works for sure is meeting with professors face-to-face and convince them you're worth investing in. That will remove about 95% of the randomness in your application process and, provided you don't mess up at the on-site interview, guarantee you a spot in the graduate school you are aiming for.

Edited March 26, 2013 by MikKar

[DeleteMePlease]

On a related note for future visitors to this thread - work experience can also help for applicants with minimal background in CS.

 

My undergrad degree was not in CS (economics) but I am confident that my two years work experience helped my applications. It also helped me tell a cohesive story for why I'm moving into CS in my SOP.

 

And you still got into CMU? Was it just because of the work experience or do you also have a good GPA/GRE?

[DFitz]

And you still got into CMU? Was it just because of the work experience or do you also have a good GPA/GRE?

 

Well, I got into CMU's new general MSCS program, not one of the more specialized MS programs. From the program description, it seems like they actually designed the new program for people who might need more background in CS. I can't speak to why they let me in ... my GPA was good (3.81) and GRE was fine not great (Q:164).

 

I'm actually leaning toward UT Austin over CMU since they have the more established program with the option to do a research track. Who knows ... could change my mind again in the next week or so.