======= Date Modified 29 14 2009 23:14:02 =======
======= Date Modified 15 06 2009 12:06:30 =======
Hi All,

This is my first post in this forum and I have this Q, hoping that someone out there could guide me.

I'm applying for PhD in Engineering in a newly established research-oriented university in Saudi Arabia offering only Masters and PhD degrees.
I enjoy teaching and research and that is the main driver for going back to school for PhD after spending 3 years in the industry.

The supervisor I'm going to work is an outstanding full professor, world-renowned in his field of research with a high record of publications and he is having funds for a Research Assistant this year.

Now my Q is, if I want to be an academic (like a professor kind of job), does university reputation really really matter?
The university is a brand-new promising university but it has no alumni yet.

Appreciate your feedbacks.
Cheers,

======= Date Modified 15 Oct 2009 13:33:44 =======
Hi Sjonah, I'm in a similar stuation: I'm one of the first two PhDs to take my subject in a new department, and am with a world renouned Professor. My department which is aiming for the top globally, ie they're recruiting academics - mostly profs at the moment - from other unis oraound the world and spending over 25 mill on super whizzo premises - better than anything I've seen before. Not many people know about my department... yet! But those who do (including my referee, who used to be head of the top dep in the country for my subject) does, and they are generally very impressed, thinking it must be exciting to be part of such a new centre as it takes shape.



I joined for my supervisor, and would have gone to any uni for his supervision - personally, I think the right, high profile supervisor, wins over department for its own sake. People will know your sups name and reputation and they will know you have been through his or her mill.



Probably, more people will hear of your department in the coming years, and the important people probably already do.



It is very exiting to be part of something like this, and watch it take shape,last time I went I was telling my sup about an author I thought would be key to my research, and then an hour later I'm introduced to him at a seminar - he'd just joined the department; it's brilliant getting more input of key world ranking experts in your field because you're one of only a few students.



Good luck, I hope this helps. (up)