[D] AI/ML PhD Committee

Hey all — quick question for senior PhD folks.

I’m finalizing my Plan of Study and trying to decide on my committee composition. There’s a professor in our department whose work is aligned with mine and who has strong industry ties (split appointment). I’ve always admired their work and initially wanted them on my committee.

The challenge is availability — they’re very hard to reach and not very present on campus. I also haven’t worked directly with them, so they wouldn’t be in a position to write a strong letter. For those further along: how much does committee composition actually matter for jobs (industry RS roles or academia)? Does having a recognizable name help meaningfully, or is it better to prioritize accessibility and engagement i.e. I look for a more accessible professor?

Would really appreciate any honest thoughts.