<p>so i'm trying to decide between two research groups and one of the main differences is between working with the famous prof (1) and and not so famous prof (2). </p>
<p>Students from both groups get jobs, but prof #1 places students nationally while prof #2 places students locally. Prof #1 students get better jobs but i'd really like to stay local. </p>
<p>I've worked with both these profs and #1 is super busy, travels a lot and barely has time for me. I never get to ask all my questions. With Prof #2 i've been able to walk into his office pretty much anytime and hes answered my questions. </p>
<p>It’s a lot like choosing between a small company job and a large company job. In a small company you will get more responsibility and put in a position to learn more and become a more valuable team member. However, compensation may not reflect your actual value and this will then follow you to your next job, or stay with you, as salaries always seem to be % based on your previous salary.</p>
<p>In large companies you might get paid a little better and your resume will get brand name to it. Is this good? My opinion of engineers from certain companies are not good, and the reputation is based on a few representatives. Still, large companies tend to treat their employees like numbers and their cultures are generally very strong such that my prejudices are generally justified. In some cases those engineers are actually worse than similar engineers from smaller companies.</p>
<p>IMO, there are no small roles only small contributors. They exist everywhere. I would go with the prof who you feel would make you a better engineer, you can always market yourself later. I would hate for you to have a good marketing resume but not be able to deliver on any of the promises.</p>
<p>It basically depends on what you want to do after school. I don’t know if you are getting an M.S. or a Ph.D., but if you are trying to get a tenure-track position, the famous professor will definitely be a boon to your chances. The professor’s name is a bigger factor for Ph.D. students in general, for that matter, but can still help with M.S. students in a decent number of situations.</p>
<p>So I guess it boils down to this: what are your goals? Do you like the research each professor does equally?</p>