Phd in Zürich?

[ichadd1219]

I've started looking at phd programs in neuroconomics, experimental economics, and cognitive/behavioral economics. One program that stands out is Zurich's PhD in Econ and Neuro. Would attending this program harm my chances on employment in the US following graduation? I am certainly open to several years of post-doc work prior to getting a TT position somewhere. Does anyone have experience with European / non-UK programs in economics?

[Bones]

It's a new program. Prof. Ernst Fehr is the superstar there. I think, you should visit the campus and say hello to the faculty of this program.

Do you understand German or do you know how it is to live in Switzerland?

[ichadd1219]

No I don't know any German, but the program is taught entirely in English. I would plan on learning German over the next few years to open up TA opportunities during the program (most of their undergrad courses are taught in German). I was just hoping someone would know a little about the prestige of phd programs in continental Europe in general.

[jeffster]

This is broadly-speaking, but if you want prestige in an econ PhD program, you're really looking at the US (mainly) and the UK. There are a few other exceptions scattered around, but the huge majority of internationally-prestigious econ programs are in those two countries.

If you wanted to actually work in mainland Europe, I think the impact of that would be greatly diminished. Frequently regional schools perform very well within their region, where other schools and employers are familiar with their work. But since your goal is to specifically head to the US afterword... I don't know, maybe a degree from Zurich would make you stand out as something different from the people you'll be competing with? I've never heard anyone suggest that, in fact usually the opposite (people look for programs they're familiar with, not exotic ones), but it could be.

Mind once again though, I'm speaking broadly here. Behavioral econ isn't my area at all, and maybe Zurich is prestigious enough in this area that the name would be recognized in the US.

[ichadd1219]

I've taken a look at a number of rating systems and it seems that Zurich is rated in the top five (usually around #2) in the areas of Cognitive/Behavioral, Experimental, and Neuroeconomics. One aspect I am weighing is that, even if I attended a school in the US, it may not be a top 10 school. I have heard that you are "equally screwed" regardless of where you go, once you aren't accepted by a top 10 or 20 school. Not sure how much weight to place on that, though. I am really just looking for an excellent experimental program where I would still get a decent general econ graduate education.

[TheFez]

The Zurich guys are rock stars in behavioral and neuro with tons of cash for experiments ... but not sure how this affects placement in the US.

[Bones]

Maybe that helps:

http://www.swisseconomistsabroad.org/members/

[ichadd1219]

It definitely helps to see that there are Swiss Economists working abroad. Does anyone have any specific experience with a European PhD and gaining employment in the US?