Georgia Tech vs ETH Zurich? For an M.S degree in EE, with a specialization in Communications.

[VarunRed]

Hello everyone!

I have received offers to study at ETH Zurich, Georgia Tech and USC, as of now, to take up an M.S. program in EE, with a specialization in Communications.

At the moment, I am extremely confused between ETHZ and GaTech. Though I am predisposed towards ETHZ, as I have heard that the coursework and academics there are terrific, I am uncertain at the same time when it comes to job opportunities after graduation. I am an international (Non-EU) student, with no fluency in German, and I have heard that this category of students generally find it difficult to secure good jobs in Switzerland, despite having graduated from ETH. On the other hand, GaTech may not be as amazing a school as ETH, but certainly provides excellent job opportunities.

Paying for the tuition is not a problem, as I have made arrangements to do so. Hence, money is not a limiting factor. I'm not sure whether I'll take up a PhD as well, though I'm definitely open to the idea. At the moment, I want to secure a good job in the core Telecom industry after graduating.

Can someone highlight any aspects/issues that I should consider? I am really faced with a difficult dilemma.

Thank you!

Edited March 17, 2016 by VarunRed

[blacknighterrant]

On 3/17/2016 at 0:52 PM, VarunRed said:

Hello everyone!

I have received offers to study at ETH Zurich, Georgia Tech and USC, as of now, to take up an M.S. program in EE, with a specialization in Communications.

At the moment, I am extremely confused between ETHZ and GaTech. Though I am predisposed towards ETHZ, as I have heard that the coursework and academics there are terrific, I am uncertain at the same time when it comes to job opportunities after graduation. I am an international (Non-EU) student, with no fluency in German, and I have heard that this category of students generally find it difficult to secure good jobs in Switzerland, despite having graduated from ETH. On the other hand, GaTech may not be as amazing a school as ETH, but certainly provides excellent job opportunities.

Paying for the tuition is not a problem, as I have made arrangements to do so. Hence, money is not a limiting factor. I'm not sure whether I'll take up a PhD as well, though I'm definitely open to the idea. At the moment, I want to secure a good job in the core Telecom industry after graduating.

Can someone highlight any aspects/issues that I should consider? I am really faced with a difficult dilemma.

Thank you!

ETH is not significantly better than GA Tech. But they both have highly regarded programs (I'm choosing between GA Tech and UCSD myself). I know you said money is not a limiting factor, but you should still consider it, because why pay for something when you don't have to? Don't worry at all about not knowing German, everything at graduate level is taught in English. Don't worry about job opportunities too much, either degree could get you a job in any country, that said GA Tech probably has more relevant co-op opportunities that would make it easier to find the type of job you are looking for. One thing I will say about the job opportunities though is that it will be far easier to find engineering work in the US than near Switzerland, but it is far nicer to work in another country (for example did you know that on average, workers in the US work 400 hours (10 work weeks ) more than workers in Germany for the same salary, because of the out dated work practices in the country (non-productive 9-5 jobs with 5 day work weeks)).