<p>I'm faced with a dilemma and would appreciate any insight that you may be able to provide. </p>
<p>I graduated in May with my MA and applied to 4 PhD programs in Communication this cycle. Around the same time that I was completing applications, I was offered a job at an NGO that I accepted and have come to truly enjoy. This is not a position that I see as my life's work, as I am 100% committed to the idea of pursuing my PhD and either entering academia or re-joining the nonprofit/public sector. </p>
<p>I initially intended to apply to a much wider range of programs, but when I was offered the position, decided to apply only to the top three programs in my field, plus a "wild card" (a program at a lesser-known state branch institution with a faculty that nonetheless matches extremely well with my interests and is of high quality, despite the school's overall lack of distinction). </p>
<p>When the dust cleared, I was admitted to the "wild card" school and denied at the other three. </p>
<p>The dilemma lies in the fact that I have begun to fall in love a bit with the department that admitted me. The faculty have been beyond accomodating and informative during the decision proces, and I feel as though I have clicked with them. The research that is being done in the department corresponds directly with my interests, and I know that I would be able to do the type of doctoral work there that I have always envisioned (including funded field work abroad in the geographic area where my specific interests lie). They also offered an excellent funding package, and the program is in my hometown, which means that I would not have to incur moving or frequent travel costs.</p>
<p>The down side to all of this is that, while the faculty in the program are fairly distinguished in the field (it is among the top 5 departments in terms of faculty grant funds secured), this is the department's first-ever PhD cohort. As a result, I worry that perhaps academia might be out of reach, even though Communication as a discipline isn't nearly as unforgiving as, say, history (apparently, there are 3 Communication appointments open for each PhD graduate in the field, although I would imagine that many of those spots go to Poli Sci, History, and English graduates with relevant research).</p>
<p>Anyway, the bottom line is that my gut tells me to go with the PhD, because I'm not guaranteed that an offer and opportunity like this will surface again, yet part of me wonders if I should try again next year and apply to a wider range of programs, given the fact that I like my job. My undergrad and MA degrees are both from top/Ivy League institutions, and the snob in me also wonders if I shouldn't hold out for the sake of not "tarnishing" my resume with a far less well-known school (this is probably irrelevant, but I figured that I would throw in all angles).</p>
<p>I apologize for the long post but would be most grateful of any advice or insight that any of you might be able to provide.</p>