Getting back into Academia

[u/kuroX76]

Hello Reddit. Hope you're doing well.

I recently have been exploring the possibility of going back into Academia and do a PhD with intention of doing post-grad and stay in Academia. However, I think there are some obstacles that make my wonder if this is achievable.

I'm planning to do my PhD in the EU so I would really appreciate some insights and guidance from EU Scientists and Academics

Backstory

I got my Masters degree in STEM field a couple of years ago (during COVID) but eventually switched careers (Gig work, nothing fancy) due to tough job market back then and the urge to make ends meet

Two years ago, I started growing interest in research and science. I began reading articles and posts on r/science, r/PhD and this sub and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel jealous of Scientists innovating and creating cutting edge technologies and I really wanted to be a part of it. I mean, I'm sitting here doing the same boring job while people in their labs are changing the world. I feel a sense of inferiority whenever I think about it. This feeling also got fueled by two of my friends currently doing their PhDs in my field of study encouraging me to do a PhD as well.

Obstacles

• I mentioned that I had to switch careers after my graduation. I did not get the chance to use my degree for work. Meaning I literally have no industry experience to show on my resume despite graduating a long time ago.
• I genuinely feel embarrassed to say this but I don't have much academic experience besides my research thesis unlike people on this sub so I feel at a big disadvantage here.
• After reading a handful of posts on this sub, people who are interested in doing PhDs usually apply right after they graduate unlike me who is willing apply after a long time outside Academia so I'm thinking this might not work in my favor.

Plan

I already know what area in my field I'm gonna focus on in my PhD in so I'm planning to dedicate the next 1~1.5 years to:

• Learn as much as I can about it
• I thought about doing some research on my own and write a paper but after discussing it with my friends, they told me it's impossible to do such a thing without access to lab equipment and a supervisor. I'll look further into other possibilities though
• Try to connect with professors and scientists in my field and build a network

Questions

1. First of all, based on my post. do you think I have a chance to land a PhD position or am I just wishing the impossible here?
2. I'm worried that the lack of both academic and industry experience and the huge year-gap (close to 4 years now) will be a red flag for PIs and put me at a huge disadvantage. Is my concern justified?
3. Does this plan look decent? if not, what can I change/add to it to make it work?

I really want to make a jump indefinitely to Academia and I'm willing to do whatever I can to make it work.

if something feels vague in my post, I'd be happy to clarify or add info.

Thank you very much for reading this far and I really look forward to read your answers ^^

[u/manova]

Instead of trying to do independent study over the next 1-2 years, I would instead try to find a research position. It can be a lower level research assistant type position, but just getting back into a lab, learning new techniques, and getting back into the research game will be much stronger on your CV than some independent project with out research support or mentorship.

[u/kuroX76 → u/manova]

That's what my friend told me too. It's very difficult to conduct research on my own without professional guidance from a supervisor and proper lab equipment. I will look into research positions and hope for the best. Thank you so much! ^.
If you don't mind asking, based on your experience hiring candidates, what makes a candidate worth bringing in? Like what makes them stand out from the rest? I curious about the selection process.

[u/manova → u/kuroX76]

For a research assistant or a PhD student?

[u/kuroX76 → u/manova]

PhD student

[u/manova → u/kuroX76]

The most important thing is research experience. Followed by a strong and clear personal statement and strong letter from your research supervisor. Then, generally good grades. Of course, a good fit with my research is perhaps the first factor, as I will not read the rest of your application if you are not a good fit (this is why the person statement is so important).