[yanngagnon]

What's your starting point? BSc or BEng?

If that's the case, you'd definitely get into grad school to do your masters, then your phd. You'd likely have an easy time getting a post doc, but you might have to move (may not be able to be picky on where). Then comes the tough part, getting a tenure-track position. Very tough. And all the way until that point, you're getting paid much less than what you likely make now.

I almost obtained a tenure track position after after 4 years in industry which followed my PhD. No postdoc. I was one of the final 3 candidates to do the whole 2 day interview on campus, pitch a research program, teach a mock class, etc. The first day was 14 hours and the second day was about 10. It was gruelling. Then I waited 4 weeks for the rejection. I was disappointed, but then relieved. I was beaten out by someone who had an existing research program they were brining with them from another institution and grant money that went along with it. It was impossible for me to compete on that front coming from industry.

[phonebucket]

My starting point is actually quite advanced. I already have a PhD and postdoc. I worry that the publishing gap caused by my five years in industry will bite me.

Fantastic to hear about your experience! Do you mind if I ask what you’re now?

[yanngagnon]

How was your publication record during your PhD and Postdoc? What kind of related output did you have during your time in industry (patents, collaborations with any institutions, mentoring of junior devs or co-op students)? Will you want to springboard your research from your postdoc work or start anew? These questions are rhetorical mostly, but will be major parts of your application.

I ended up starting a startup based on the research program I had pitched for that tenure-track position. I didn't have a post-doc to springboard from and the university didn't have the equipment (MRI scanners) for me to continue from my PhD work. I welcomed the opportunity for a change anyhow.

I've had to wind down the startup last fall unfortunately. We had launched a pilot, which covid-19 killed. Ran out of money. Looking for my next opportunity right now actually.