| Topic Name: |
Advice Needed: PhD? |
| Message Name: |
Apples and oranges |
| Date Posted: |
04/19/2000 |
| In Reply To: |
OK, perhaps we're just comparing apples and oranges and we're just from different disciplines. I too am with one of the top 3 consulting firms right now (one of McK/BCG/Bain) after completing PhD thesis in the U.S. (289 pages:)) and I do believe my perspective is accurate in my discipline. I've had a few post-docs from Europe in my lab and I do know for a fact that PhD in my discipline in England and Germany are of a defined period (3 years post masters, if I'm not mistaken). Tough to argue the qualitative part of whether the theses are generally better in Europe or the States. I'm not saying that US PhD's are better, just that the statement of European PhD's are more difficult is not true, in my humble opinion.
Don't mean to pick a fight. Just had to stand up for the quality of a US PhD. Comparing US and Europe, I might agree to say both are of equal quality; but I will vehemently disagree to the notion that European PhD's are somehow more difficult to obtain. |
| Message: |
I may have expressed myself in a somewhat mis-directing way. It is probably the case that the different structures and requirements make it difficult to compare thesis from different countries. In Germany, a program is 2-3 years, but most people might need more time. In Sweden, it is at least 4 years and you are required to lecture. Another difference is probably found in the aspect of qualitative vs. quantitative work.
My original point was that consulting firms tend to hire PhDs in Europe as an alternative to MBAs.
BTW, hat about MSc in Economics or Business Administration. This is a common degree in e.g. Germany and I have always wondered how it is seen in relation to the MBA degree.
If you have written your thesis about organizational change, why don't you send me an electronic copy (maybe in PDF). I am always interested in reading interesting stuff.
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