being in Europe makes a big difference here I think. in the US i know several people who did an MS, worked in industry, then went back for a PhD. it’s extremel

being in Europe makes a big difference here I think. in the US i know several people who did an MS, worked in industry, then went back for a PhD. it’s extremely possible. i suspect this is less true in Europe, where the degree process is faster and more focused and where the hierarchical aspects of academia are much stronger.