half-time research assistant==work experience?

[hunter71]

Dear all,

I was a PhD student in the US two years ago and worked in the lab as a half-time research assistant (I got paid) (20 hrs/week). I am wondering if working as a part-time research assistant, while I was a student, can be counted as work experience. This is very important in my case because this is the only work experience I had that meets the requirement under FSW1. I am kind of confused, since I heard someone say working toward degree is not working experience.

Anyone can help clarify this?

Thanks a lot..