I have been invited to be an external examiner for a Ph.D. in electronic engineering at a UK University.
I work in the Electronics industry in a research role, regularly competing for external research funding with academics and sometimes collaborating with them too (including 2 or 3 of the academics in the department from which I have received the invitation).
I have not studied for a Ph.D., but feel I keep up to date with research on the topics in question. I review papers for IEEE journals and have some professional recognition.
The Ph.D. has been sponsored by my employer and I believe that a colleague has been the industrial supervisor. I have not met the candidate. I don't feel that any of this creates a conflict of interest.
Am I qualified to take this role? How much work will it involve?