phdEuro Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 Hi, I have a fully funded PhD offer from a University at Netherlands in Computer Science. The professor is very nice and the research topic also matches my main area of interest. The university is a second tier university i.,e ranked around 100 in the world for computer science (though I am not sure how accurate these rankings are). The alumnis of the professor have got in to decent post-doctoral positions. He has recently started a startup and i am worried that his attention may be directed towards that. That is the only negative point. I have another offer at Ireland for a research internship. The area matches perfectly and it matches even my sub-area. But, only after the internship, PhD offer will be confirmed. The professor is new but is working on latest and interesting research topics. There is a certain amount of risk factor. He also said that PhD offer will be decided only after the internship based on performance and fit. I need to apply again if I don't get PhD seat. I did a research internship previously at a different place and I did not like the area and I did not accept the PhD offer. I had to spend efforts again in applying and I had to explain why I did not join there. Also that professor did not give me a positive feedback when some people asked for reference. I think it is straight forward to accept the one at Netherlands. But, the Ireland offer matches my interests more perfectly. I just want to hear what others have to say. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cs_phd Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 I would accept Netherlands offer. Unless the Ireland university is a top tier universities and the chances of getting PhD offer is more, I won't accept it. Also, are you sure of getting PhD seat if you do well in your internship? Do you know? If there is a guarantee that you will get PhD seat after internship and the university is ranked higher than one at Netherlands (ranked higher such that it makes a difference once you complete your PhD) then you can consider Ireland. phdEuro and Vene 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phdEuro Posted May 24, 2015 Author Share Posted May 24, 2015 The Ireland one is slightly higher ranked but I would say not much difference. I am not 100% sure whether good performance means PhD seat will be offered. That is why I have dilemma. If I was sure, I would have taken the risk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vene Posted May 24, 2015 Share Posted May 24, 2015 If it's a slight difference, go with Netherlands. Do multiple international rankings put the Irish university above the Dutch university? Rankings are certainly far from objective, but I can see them being useful if one is consistently higher ranked than the other. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
serenade Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 Since there is no guarantee that the Ireland internship will lead to a PhD, I wouldn't take the risk. Go with the Netherlands instead, particularly if the two schools are close in rankings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MathCat Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 I would only consider the offer in Ireland if you think you can get into a much better university as a result, and realize that this is a serious gamble. If you are satisfied that the program in the Netherlands will allow you the career you want, I would go there instead. To judge this, consider looking at the success of graduates from that program in the career you desire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Between Fields Posted May 25, 2015 Share Posted May 25, 2015 What if you don't like the Netherlands, but you're already committed to a PhD there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phdEuro Posted May 26, 2015 Author Share Posted May 26, 2015 I have assumed here that I won't have issue with Netherlands. This is based on my interaction with professor and because it matches my main area of interests. But, you are right, there can be such a scenario and I will give it a very small percentage. @MathCat: Thanks. I will do that. I will look at the profile of recent graduates and compare. Doing research internship may also help in new applications and you are right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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