PhD Aerospace Engineering after 2-3 years unrelated Work Experience

[penguinman]

Hello Everyone,

 

I am a new comer to these forums. I am wondering if anyone has gone back to do an engineering PhD after working in an unrelated field for 2-3 years. I graduated with a BS/MS in Aerospace Engineering from Georgia Tech, worked for the USAF for 1.5 years and I am currently working for an IT consulting firm but I would like to pursue a PhD in Aerospace Engineering within the next year or two. I would want to apply to UT Austin in particular for controls systems.

 

I was wondering what would be the best way to approach to accomplish this goal. Has anyone else ever encountered a situation where they have been out of academia for a few years and returned?

 

Really appreciate your time!

[Courgette]

you will need to write a clear statement of purpose succinctly describing your undergraduate and work background and how that has shaped your research interests and led to your choice to return for a PhD.  you'll also want to take the GRE and score well on it (if you haven't already), because UT Austin is among the top for controls and aerospace, and make sure at least one letter of reference comes from a faculty member (better if more than one).

 

while it is not the most common path to a PhD, your situation is far from uncommon.

[penguinman]

Thanks! While at the Air Force I worked with a mechanical PhD working on structural design, would his recommendation be useful as well?

[Courgette]

Basically your entire application (GRE scores, transcript from your BS/MS years, letters of rec, and statement of purpose - am I forgetting anything?) need to show 1) that you're committed to coming back for your PhD and 2) that you're able to follow through on that commitment.  You need to address both points in your statement, and you also want your letter writers to back you up in both points.  The mechanical guy you worked with, if he can speak to your research ability, commitment level, etc, could definitely be a good reference, and the PhD he has certainly lends some credibility - but do try to get references from faculty as well - they are in general taken more seriously, especially from a well-respected institution such as GaTech.