Phd in Engineering from Cambridge v/s a same from a reputed US university?

Question

Hi, I am from India and I have got an offer of Phd in Engineering from Cambridge university (UK) with full scholarship. I am in a dilemma. I have been told by some that a Phd from US university would mean much better career opportunities than from UK (not withstanding the prestigious standing of Cambridge) . I am already 28 years old and to apply to US, I'll have to write GRE and wait until next year to start my Phd studies. What should I do? Should I go ahead and join Cambridge this year or write GRE, apply to US universities and wait until next year to start Phd next year?

Answer 1

The right answer is Cambridge obviously. There are many reasons for this:



- Cambridge is in Britain!



- Cambridge is not in America!



- There are fewer Americans in Britain!



- Cambridge is older than America.



- Cambridge has a cricket team



- Cambridge has more culture in Trinity college than Canada and you know where combined.



- You will not get an annoying accent



- We do not have the KKK



- American foreign policy.......



- We own the Sea



- Americans are ignorant



- You get shot if you go to an American college, (Virginia tech)



-They think 'some people' are terrorists



.

Answer 2

I would say Cambridge for the below reasons:



- 28 is a good age to start doing the PhD - it ensures you get into the corporate/diplomatic ratrace at the age of 33 and anything later will only delay your career progression.



- Britain is a much much better place to live in than in the US. Stronger culture, better food options, safer, ease of getting back to India if reqd, better student body, etc. The culture being similar to that of India, you will be able to become productive much more quickly.



On the other hand, US is the right place for you if you are a strong believer in having young professors, incubation facilities for your own business, low cost of living and good climate.



You need to decide what you want to achieve after your PhD first and foremost - that will hopefully make things clearer.

Answer 3

I think Cambridge provided you are prepared to work hard. Sorry not meaning to lecture. I used to live in Cambridge and had many Indian students as lodgers, who were from India as tenants. They were at the University (Cambridge, naturally!) Some doing research and some Phd. Naturally I am going to be biased and would strongly recommend Cambridge over USA. You have to make your own choice. Good luck. PS The students who were my tenants have kept in touch and said how much they enjoyed University life as they did being my tenant.

Answer 4

no one can become rich or multi millionaire just on degrees. they have to invent or discover some ideas and apply it. but if you want a satisfactory life, then you can earn well enough after Phd. moreover if you do Phd in Engineering in Cambridge university, you can get jobs in any research centers or any companies or any universities and get good salary. if you become professor, you get good grants, even though you can't misuse it.