People's perception

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I usually don't seek advice from the ca.com forum, but I wanted an opinion that wasn't biased by people who know me or skewed by professors.

I have the opportunity to begin my PhD in economics in the fall. The work will be quite difficult, yet rewarding.

Here is a couple reasons why I am apprehensive.

1) There is not an immediate increase in pay, promotion, etc unless I took another job elsewhere.

2)Prestige. The school is no Harvard, Yale, etc. It is a John Q Public regional university.

I feel a conversation could go like this:

Me: "Hello, I'm Josh"

Someone: "Hey, I heard you got your PhD"

Me: "Yes, I did"

Someone: "Where did you go?"

Me: "MTSU" [Middle Tennessee State University]

Someone: "Oh....meh"

It is not that I want to go around impressing and dazzling people. I just don't want people to think less of me because I went to an average school

3) Cost. I told my parents when I went to graduate school I would move out. I don't really want to move out but I guess I need to since I am going to graduate school.

Pros

1) I really do enjoy research.

2) I think I can get a lot out of it.

3) I think I have a lot to offer the field of economics.

4) It gives me more time with my current employer so that I am eligible for them to pay for my Master's at a later time.

So...what do you think? Do any of you know people out there with PhDs that went to more local schools? How do people feel about them?

Click to read more...

 

[docutech 10+ year member]

Knowledge is power who gives a crap where you got it? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/graduate.gif.d982460be9f153bb54e5d4cb744f6ae8.gif

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

If it would make you feel better lie about where you got your PhD.

Its not like your business cards will state your alma mater, it will just say "flix99 PhD"

 

[Twistid 5,000+ posts]

watch out, the boogie man might come to steal your system!

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I don't want to lie. Would you think less of someone because of where they go their degree?

I tend to think less of those who attend those online universities...

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

I don't want to lie. Would you think less of someone because of where they go their degree?
I tend to think less of those who attend those online universities...

I most certainly look down upon those who didn't get their degree from an ivy league school; people like that are total trash.

 

[Bloodstalker999 10+ year member]

I think less of people that go to local schools and only get an AA degree, but regardless of what school you go to getting a PhD requires an intelligent and dedicated person which is a respectful position. Just my opinion

If you need help deciding if you want to do it or not just ask yourself if it will be making you money, or would it be making you happy? Both of those are a fine reason to do something regardless if its getting a PhD, or just getting a construction job that pays well or makes you happy. When it all boils down that is what it comes to.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I think it will make me happy, like I have accomplished something. The payday may or may not come. It's largely irrelevant to me. Working on cutting edge theoretical models is much more valuable.

 

[Bloodstalker999 10+ year member]

Well what more can you expect from life if you are happy. IMO the joy of doing what you want to do while being able to support yourself is the payday

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

i think as long as your school doesn't advertise on TV, getting a PhD is pretty prestigious.

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

I just don't know why I am so nervous about it.

 

[60ndown 10+ year member]

I think it will make me happy, like I have accomplished something. The payday may or may not come. It's largely irrelevant to me. Working on cutting edge theoretical models is much more valuable.

economics?

1+1 = 2.

now you can find something more interesting to do with the rest of your life.

like serving beer at hooters.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/yumyum.gif.0556df42231b304b9c995aefd13928a8.gif

 

[Flipx99 5,000+ posts]

economics?
1+1 = 2.

now you can find something more interesting to do with the rest of your life.

like serving beer at hooters.//content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/yumyum.gif.0556df42231b304b9c995aefd13928a8.gif

You would be surprised the amount of studies done on serving, tipping, enhancing the resturant experience, etc.

Forget hooters, their beer is too warm.

 

[faulkton 5,000+ posts]

I just don't know why I am so nervous about it.

Well if you are that worried about it, find a more prestigious school to attend. Sounds pretty petty to me, but if its that important to you - get'er done!

 

[Bloodstalker999 10+ year member]

IMO you are probably so nervous about it because you are worried about what others are going to think because you want to do this, and they might not agree with your decision, but until they can walk in your shoes and make that decision for you all they can do is try to sway you into making the decisions they want you to chose.

In the end its your life so you should make the decision, thats not saying to disregard the opinion of others, but do take them into consideration but not let them make the decision for you.