Grad School Opinion on 8 Month Industry Work

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of undertaking an 8-month industry work placement as part of a physics degree, particularly in relation to graduate school applications and the value of industry experience compared to undergraduate research.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about missing out on undergraduate research opportunities due to the industry work placement and questions how graduate schools might view this experience.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific field of study, clarifying that the discussion pertains to physics.
  • A participant shares their personal experience, stating that they found their industry research to be significantly more productive than their undergraduate research, suggesting that industry experience can be valuable for graduate school applications.
  • The original poster hopes to find an industry position that involves research rather than just programming, referencing a conversation with a graduate who had a different experience during their industry work.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the value of industry experience versus undergraduate research, with differing opinions on the productivity and relevance of industry work for graduate school applications.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding how graduate schools specifically evaluate industry experience compared to traditional research roles, and the discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and expectations.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering industry work as part of their degree, particularly in physics, and those interested in the impact of such experiences on graduate school applications.

Darth Frodo
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Hi.

As part of my degree I will have to undergo 8 months on working in industry (I may be able to get a minor research position) but let's assume I end up in industry during my second semester of Junior (third) year.

Unfortunately this takes up my summer holidays which would have been an ideal time to get some undergrad research done.

I realize that Grad Schools prefer to see that some undergrad research was done, but what I'm asking is what how would they view working in industry for 8 months?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is this for physics or engineering or what?
 
Oh sorry, ah that would be physics.
 
I realize that this may be a unique situation to the members of this forum but if anyone has any input at all I would be most appreciative.
 
I did much, much more research in industry than I ever did or COULD do at my undergrad institution. PhDs at my old job were required to publish at least once a year. My productivity in industry was about 20x what I am doing now in grad school (not exaggerating) simply I had much more space, more resources, and no grad students that have been in academia for far too long getting in my way.Try to get as much as you can working a 'real' job.
 
Cool thanks! It's a long way off yet but I'm just thinking about it so far.

I just hope I can find one where research is done as opposed to just programming. I was talking to a graduate of the course and that's what he was doing for 8 months.
 

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