Changing programs in first year - advice needed

[Plupitre]

Hi everyone,

 

I am a first-year student in a strong management PhD program in Europe, and am completely miserable and in need of some serious advice. Although I am only 3 months into the program, I've quickly come to realize that this may not be the right place for me. The reasons behind this are the following:

 

1.) The program places a great deal of emphasis on quantitative skills - the first, and much of the second year consists mainly of coursework in econometrics and micro. I don't have a strong quantitative background, and am interested in OB. As I am already struggling in my courses, I am worried that I will not be able to succeed here in the long run.

 

2.) The approach to teaching is very different than what I am accustomed to in the US - classes are not interactive, students are expected to memorize the material, and basically reiterate it on the exams. 

 

3.) The attrition rate is extremely high (close to 50%), due to students leaving both willingly and unwillingly. Because of this, I worry that this is not the most supportive environment. 

 

I chose to come to this department for two reasons: its reputation, and its location. Now, I realize that other qualities of a program are much more important - what the expectations are of students, what areas are emphasized, etc. So, I'd like to apply to departments back in the US that have a stronger emphasis on OB. However, I am extremely worried that I will be kicked out of my current program if I apply elsewhere. Have any of you heard of situations similar to mine? Any advice is greatly appreciated!!!

 

Also, if any of you know of relatively strong OB programs, can you please let me know? I want to be realistic, as I know that switching schools will probably hurt my chances of getting into a strong program, so I am trying to look at tier 2 schools...which I think may not be a bad thing. Thank you all for your help!

[prefers_pencils]

I'm sorry you are having a rough time in your program. To be fair, a lot of management programs - in the US and elsewhere - put their students through economics coursework regardless of the students' specialty area. At the same time, if you're truly unhappy, a transfer might make sense for you. Two questions come to mind:

 

1. When do students typically leave the program? If in Years 1-2, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as them realizing that academia isn't their best choice. If in Years 3-5, well, that's more concerning.

 

2. Do you have an advisor, and do you like their work? This relationship becomes the most influential part of your PhD, although that's not obvious in the first year. If you really like the work they're doing and you like them as a person, it might be worth it to tough out the quantitative coursework in the beginning. Course requirements aren't always synonymous with faculty research interests, either, so it might not be the case that qualitative work isn't valued. 

 

I'm a little confused by this point:

 

I'd like to apply to departments back in the US that have a stronger emphasis on OB. 

 

You want to apply to OB departments in the US that have a stronger emphasis on ... what, exactly? Or you want to apply to other business schools that have a stronger OB department in general? Honestly, the rankings are never cut and dry; it really depends on your research area. If you can be a little more specific in your interests I can try to be more helpful.

 

 

Edit: You might consider reposting this in the "Officially Grads" section which might reach a larger audience. I think people in the Business section are typically applicants rather than fellow current students.

Edited December 6, 2013 by prefers_pencils