Econ PhD admission--need some advice

[Mindcraft]

Originally Posted by silkleaf

Well! I don't "have to" become a professor. I'm just interested in becoming one.
Right now, I cannot not decide whether to get into the financial industry or academia after graduation, since jobs at the financial institutions are also very attractive and challenging!!

If I choose Berkeley, is it easy for me to find a job in, well, like Wall Street???
(Oh~~My east coast, My NYC!!!! )


Thank you all!!!

If you go to Berkeley, we can look for Wall Street jobs together. In general, though, job placements for UCB grads have been worldwide ... I think a lot has to do with how much time and energy you put into finding the right job at the right place.

[silkleaf]

As to the field of Finance,
does Berkeley also have a stronger program???
That's the field I would like to focus on!!!

By the way,
Forgot to introduce myself.
I'm from Taiwan.
Just graduated from univeristy with a Finance major last Jun.
Going to the US for my graduate study is my lifetime dream.
And I'm glad the this dream finally comes true.
Couldn't wait to head for America!!!!!!

I have one more question.
There's a rumor that American people place a higher reputation on Ivy League schools. (And the USNews ranking of year's best college also shows such trend.)
Is it true??????

Many thanks!!!!

[Mindcraft]

Originally Posted by silkleaf

There's a rumor that American people place a higher reputation on Ivy League schools. (And the USNews ranking of year's best college also shows such trend.)
Is it true??????

Many thanks!!!!

To answer your question: In general, yes. American people do give more respect to Ivy League grads, but I think this is more the case for undergraduate studies. I think for graduate studies, especially in any engineering-related field, most Ivy's don't shine as bright. With schools like MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and Caltech taking the stage. Thus, it all depends on what field you're in and who you're trying to impress. For employers, I don't think they will make much distinction (in terms of reputation) between a school like MIT vs. an Ivy League school like Princeton. But overall, Ivy League schools have a world-renowned reputation so you can never go wrong with them!

As for deciding between Berkeley and Columbia, that's a tough choice. Each has its own set of advantages, so I think you really have to do some more research and see which is a better 'fit' for you. In any case, your worldwide opportunities will be plentiful. All the best.
Yousuf