Hi everyone,
really appreciate some honest guidance.
I did my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with a 2.57/4 GPA (was more focused on extracurriculars at the time). After that, a professor offered me a fully funded Master’s, which I completed with a 3.79/4 (top of my class) working in lean production/operations research. I also developed a framework during my thesis that was well received.
For the past 4–5 years, I’ve been working in supply chain / production, and I’m currently in a mid-level management role.
Now I’m trying to move into a PhD (operations / supply chain / OR), but I’m facing issues:
-Very few responses from cold emails
-Feedback that my CV is “too corporate”
-Unsure how to justify leaving industry for academia
Only 2 IEEE articles, one has like 15 citations, other has 6 (haven’t published my thesis yet)
My main concerns:
-How much does my low undergrad GPA hurt, given my strong Master’s?
-How do I position my industry experience for PhD applications?
-Is applying at 31 a disadvantage?
Would really appreciate honest feedback—even if it’s blunt.