A choice between two supervisors, input needed!

[INTJ Sociologist]

Hi GradCafe! I am about to pick my supervisor, and I need your help (please scorn me and/or move the thread if this is the wrong category). Any input is very welcome! Here’s the situation:

 

I am a sociologist, but the subject of the phd project is interdisciplinary towards psychology. I will likely get a secondary supervisor from an external psych dept who is a specialist in the field, so that part is largely covered. The research project will to a large degree be theoretical, but might include a smaller empirical study. I’m running out of time so I feel like I have to select my primary supervisor from the two following candidates:

 

Candidate A: Experienced theorist with important influence.

Pros:

Lots of experience supervising

Theory construction as main field of research

Advocating increased focus on theory construction in soc sci, an ambition we share.

Head of PhD studies (This means that he essentially can sign his own budget requests and research plans for my project)

 

Cons:

Not super enthusiastic about this specific project, but somewhat interested on a general level

No insight into psychology

Limited overlap in theoretical perspectives

Not very strategic/pragmatic in terms of career opportunities, more of an idealist

No experience with empirical research

 

Candidate B: Genuinely interested and very enthusiastic younger prof with high ambitions/drive.

Pros:

Displays a lot of interest in both me and the proposed project – seems to see a lot of potential in it and really wants to collaborate on it, gives me space in research group meetings etc.

Is highly ambitious/driven and also highly strategic/pragmatic when it comes to publication, format, approach etc.

Is excellent at identifying possibilities from ideas

Has some experience working at a psychology dept.

Has some overlapping ambitions in terms of advocating increased collaboration, interdisciplinary research etc.

 

 

Cons:

Limited experience supervising (a couple of previous PhDs)

Limited experience in general due to younger age (smaller network, less publications etc)

Has mostly done empirical/applied research

Might be stepping on A’s toes by choosing this guy?

 

My spontaneous feeling is that A is perhaps a safer bet but B has a lot more potential, which is why I am leaning towards B at the moment. Any thoughts on this?

[thegirldetective]

B sounds better to me. Have you spoken with any of his previous grad students?

[thenewgirl10]

If it were me, based solely on this information, I would choose B. Professor B is making connections as you'll be beginning your program, and he can take you along for the ride. He is enthusiastic and knows the importance of being realistic when it comes to publishing, so he will understand that it is a major motivation for you. He will be networking with other up-and-coming sociologists in your subfield, and will be able to help you connect with them for later jobs etc.

[thenewgirl10]

Another thing, sorry.... Don't worry too much about stepping on A's toes. Politely decline, but tell him you respect and highly value his input for your project. Tell him that while you had a better research fit with B, you hope he will be willing to act as an additional mentor for you throughout your program. Just be polite and appreciative for his offer, and I think it will be okay

[sunpenguin]

Another thing, sorry.... Don't worry too much about stepping on A's toes. Politely decline, but tell him you respect and highly value his input for your project. Tell him that while you had a better research fit with B, you hope he will be willing to act as an additional mentor for you throughout your program. Just be polite and appreciative for his offer, and I think it will be okay

 

This is great advice. I agree. And my 2c is always go with the person who's most excited about working with you

[roguesenna]

I would always go for the slightly less powerful ally who is completely dedicated to helping you than the more powerful ally who treats you as something of an afterthought. Also, as someone who had a department chair on their thesis committee, it sucks. they don't have nearly as much time to dedicate to you and your needs because they're busy worrying about EVERYONE and EVERYTHING in the department.

[skyentist]

B. Always choose the more ambitious and enthusiastic professor over the more "famous" one.

[INTJ Sociologist]

Hey again, I just wanted to say thank you all for your input, and to let you know that I just went with supervisor B! Lets hope it works out well