This session at Atlanta DevFest 2024 is set to explore the unique advantages of applying industry skills, particularly from software engineering to academic research in a PhD program. The session addresses how professional experiences in the software industry can complement and enhance research methodologies in the academic environment. Key topics of this session include the application of project management techniques from the software industry to PhD research, the benefits of collaborative skills and effective communication learned in industry settings, and the importance of time management and systematic problem-solving in academic research. Attendees will learn how to balance the academically demanding schedule with efficient time management, and how a results-oriented mindset from the industry can lead to more impactful and goal-driven research outcomes. This session offers a unique perspective on blending industry experience with academic research, especially for budding researchers.