Low GPA in first Msc, now questions about 2nd Msc and eligibility for Phd.

[assad62]

Hi,

I would appreciate if someone can guide me here. 

My first Msc was in Computer Science from a university in Hong Kong. Unfortunately i slacked off and became lazy so ended up with a poor 2.5/4 GPA. Thankfully though, I  was still able to get a job as a software engineer and have been working for about two years now.

Now about 2 months back, I started my second Msc in Information Systems Management. However, due to financial difficulties, I might have to withdraw from the course.

So my question is:

With a poor GPA in my first Msc and work experience of (for example) around 7 years will I be able to get into a Phd program..without doing my second Msc? I am working in IT security and my company makes security apps for the HK government..so I am involved in some pretty technical stuff. 

Alternatively, what benefits will completing my second Msc and improving my grade have on my Phd application?

 

Career wise I know the answer, that degrees don't count. Work experience does.

However I just want to see what my options are so I thought I would ask here about the academic perspective. 

 

[milara]

I think the longer you wait to apply to a competitive program, the more of the stink of your failure in that first MSc will slough off. I think it is possible to overcome the difficulty you've created for yourself, but it won't be easy.

 

I suggest:

0. Finish the current MSc. You need to prove that you can finish what you start. If you withdraw for financial reasons, save up the money and go back in a few years. But do not go back unles you are prepared to kick ass and take names.

1. Try to publish some papers. If you're doing security work, this may be difficult. But a track record of being able to do research means a lot in academic circles.

2. Reference letters could make a huge difference. If you can get really enthusiastic reference letters that describe you as being both intelligent and hard-working based on recent contact, then this will be taken as a sign that you have matured and that the problems that led to your poor performance in that first MSc are behind you.

3. Get personal. Speak with your POI in person by preference, Skype or over the phone if necessary, and by email preferably only to facilitate a more personal contact. Be frank. They're not going to miss that gaping wound in your resume, so there's no point in trying to hide it. Tell them that you've had a chance to mature and you know where your priorities are now. They need to feel that you are committed and that you can stay the course for the duration of a PhD. That means staying in a single job for at least four years before applying again.