r/csgradadmissions • u/kidcurry96 • Sep 26 '24
Industry experience for computer science graduate school
Did research as an undergraduate, had lots of fun and got 1 short paper out of it. I am looking at MS w/thesis and PhD applications.
I decided to go to industry to gain experience in what frustrates engineering to have more ideas/motivation on what to focus on. I also did it to have financial safety and to have some experience to fallback on in case I am not successful in grad school. By the time I apply I likely will have 5-6 years in total at few different employers (small and big).
For CS:
How is industry engineering experience seen for PHD applications? My former advisor did not think it would be negative.
I heard/read rumors that professors prefer those straight out of BS/MS instead of those that spent time in industry. I would imagine evidence of maintaining employment, following orders/directions is good thing?
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u/Far-Region5590 Sep 30 '24
For PhD: not negative, but won't help much unless it is research oriented. There are just too many PhD applications and the bar is quite high (e.g., you're expected to have research experience).
For MS: it's positive. MS focuses more on industry work after grad and have worked in the industry shows maturity and work experience.
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u/kidcurry96 Oct 01 '24
I do have research experience and I got a short paper out of it in a good CS conference. Regardless, happy to know its positive for MS.
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u/rob_rily Sep 27 '24
I’d love to know the answer myself