Is a PhD in CS worth it for European engineers?
What's the difference compared to being in the US, when evaluating graduate degrees?
Is a PhD worth it for ambitious engineers?
If you ask US folks on Reddit or Blind, the answer is usually "no".
But what if you're in Europe?
Then, it’s a bit more nuanced.
For quite some time early in my career, I was planning to do a PhD.
The reasons?
Study cool stuff.
Build a skill set to work on cutting-edge projects.
Access top-paying jobs.
In the US, most will tell you to join a big tech company or high-growth startup instead.
Here’s why:
You can work on cool projects in industry—often more than in academia.
A PhD can freeze your earnings for years.
You might end up over-specializing, limiting your employability.
So, is a PhD worth it?
For most: No.
But actually if you’re in Europe, there are some caveats:
1. You want to work in big tech in Switzerland 🇨🇭
Swiss big tech offices are often research-oriented (ML, self-driving, CV/VR, distributed systems, etc).
A PhD in a relevant subject from a good university can open some doors.
2. You want to increase your chances of landing a big tech job in Europe
More time in school = more time to prepare for and land big tech internships, which are the best route to full-time big tech roles.
With fewer "big tech-like" opportunities in Europe, more time to enter big tech with this preferred route can be valuable.
3. You want to avoid low-paying, low-growth jobs
In Europe, many companies still offer peanuts without much growth—especially consulting firms.
A PhD makes you overqualified for these roles, and gives you time to find better opportunities.
4. You want to pivot careers
Say you did a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, but want to work in software—a PhD or MSc in CS can help you switch fields.
In my experience, doing an MSc in CS opened a lot of doors:
I optimized my time, focusing on technically challenging topics.
Established myself as a CS professional despite my BSc in robotics.
Landed big tech internships with more ease.
That said, it’s entirely possible to have a top tech career in Europe without a PhD, or even without an MSc or BSc.
A PhD or MSc is an option—not something to obsess over, but worth considering if it aligns with your goals and circumstances.
What's your opinion on PhDs for tech folks in Europe?Almost forgot: a graduate degree such a MSc or PhD can also be a great way to enter a country - like move to Europe or Switzerland if you're not from there.
Almost forgot:
A graduate degree such a MSc or PhD can also be a great way to enter a country - like move to Europe or Switzerland if you're not from there.
Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you:
Coaching Program: Check it out if you want to work 1:1 with me to boost your career as a dev in Europe or remote.
Euro Top Tech Jobs: 4000+ top paying tech jobs in Europe in addition to 50+ fully-remote companies paying $100-600k per year and private guides like this one.
