Masters in Switzerland Vs USA

[Winry]

I got admits from:

 

ETH-Zurich

University of Buffalo

North Carolina State University

 

I know ETH is highly ranked compared to both of the others.But my parents and friends seem to think that Zurich is not that good for post Masters employment. I am not sure if I want to do  PHD after my masters.

 

Do any of you know about employment after a masters in ETH?

 

If not which would be better for a CS student.Buffalo or NCSU?

 

I still have not heard from UC Davis and Penn State Harrisburg.

 

Thanking you

 

Winry

 

PS I am an Indian

[an11]

It's true that getting a job, after obtaining a Masters degree, is a lot tougher in Switzerland itself compared to the US. You would have access to considerably greater number of opportunities in the US, rather than in Switzerland...if you're thinking of seeking employment in Switzerland itself that is, after completing your degree from the ETH Zürich. 

 

Having said that though, it's indubitable that the ETH is a world class university and outranks the other two by quite a significant margin! And it would always be a good idea, to get your degree from such a highly reputed school. Besides, there's always a possibility that you might get employment in Switzerland afterwards, or anywhere else in Europe for that matter (as a matter of fact, having a degree from the ETH will, in all likelihood, make it very easy for you to get jobs in Germany, France or the Scandinavian countries). If you want to pursue a PhD later on, then obviously the ETH would be a better choice as well.

 

On a final note, living in Switzerland is an amazing and enchanting experience in itself!! At the end of the day though, it would remain your choice...so just judge your priorities well and make a decision. Good luck! 

[DeleteMePlease]

Keep in mind that the cost of living in Switzerland is much higher than in the US (or other parts of Europe). On the other hand the salaries are also higher

I don't know about Switzerland, but here in Germany it is very easy to find a job after Graduation. The companies are so desperatly looking for employee that it is often the case that you don't have to apply for a job but the company directly contacts you.

 

I don't have a reference for this but I remember a professor saying that 90%+ of the students find a job in less than two weeks after graduation. The average entrance salery is around 45.000 euro. But all those numbers are for B.Sc. graduates. I would suppose it looks even better for people with a masters degree.

Edited April 12, 2013 by GermanStudent

[an11]

True, cost of living is pretty high in Switzerland, but people get paid a lot higher as well! And it's quite a common practice amongst people there, to go on shopping trips to Germany or France, and reap the full benefits of the comparatively lower prices there, relative to the salary that they earn in Switzerland! 

 

Also, getting jobs in Switzerland, is indeed really difficult for international students, compared to the US and of course Germany. If you're an international student, you need to be highly skilled and extremely well qualified, to get employment in Switzerland. However, getting a degree from Switzerland itself, helps a lot, if you're seeking employment over there! And in particular, the ETH is a brilliant school...so if it was left upto me to decide, I would have definitely gone there. But the OP needs to think for himself/herself here...

[Winry]

Do you have any idea about how competitive it is in ETH. I have always had a doubt whether I would fit the level of academics and thinking. I dont want it to be just study study study.I want some leisure in it. I've heard ETH is a non-stop study institution where they only expect more.Is it true?

 

I know I should decide for myself.But its just so hard. I want to go to ETH but on the other hand I feel I might get more exposure in the US and get more chances to participate in labs.I heard the european way of teaching is a little more theoretical compared to the usa is that true?

 

That being said I cant deny that ETH is just amazing.Their research and reputation is outstanding. I've just heard that US Universities have a lot of extra curricular activities and all. And you study n gt to have fun.

 

 

[an11]

From whatever I heard, ETH is definitely a highly competitive school and the level of academics is quite challenging. Having never had any first hand experience with education at the ETH, I can't really offer any other pieces of insights. I am also not really aware of the teaching approaches that are prevalent in Europe, compared to those in the US. I can tell from personal experience though, that in my field (chemistry) at least, Swiss university education tends to be quite practical oriented and you do get significant exposure in research labs. However, I am not really certain how american universities are oriented. 

 

As for getting enough time to wind off and enjoy leisure, once again from personal experience I know ETH is not too bad! You would just need to balance them out, with your academics...and I'm sure you would be required to do so even in the US. But if you fit in with the environment, you would have plenty of things to do in your free time. Some of which might not be possible in the US...such as getting to travel to some really nice places, pretty nearby! And as far as extra-curricular activities are concerned, I suppose the american universities themselves do offer lots of opportunities, in the form of clubs or societies that you can join, which might not be present to that extent in Switzerland. But that doesn't mean you won't get to do anything for fun!