Research vs relevant work experience: Statistics PhD

[Chr0n]

Hey guys,

 

I am planning to pursue a statistics PhD. I am planning on taking a year or possibly two years out to strenghten my application and am planning on securing a research assistant position. However, such positions seem to be very scarce. 

 

Henec, I was thinking of working as a statistician for a year or two. Would this be beneficial for my application?

 

Regarding research: I am doing a masters this year which will include a research dissertation at the end of the year (20.000 words). Is this considered to be enough research experience (obviously more never hurts)? 

 

So, in short, would the disseration + work experience as a statistician be useful in improving my chances to grad school or does relevant work experience only count for very little?

 

Thanks,

Daniel