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Guys, If I want to get a good job for engineering right after College do I need to go to a big known school?
Currently in 12th and I'm looking through schools but the big programs are incredibly competitive and I don't know if I'm cut out compared to others applying. I'd like to apply to state schools but I've heard bigger schools give you a better chance of getting a job right after.
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Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, and Career Mentor
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Employers aren’t just looking for someone who went to a top school; they want a candidate who demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and ability to contribute effectively. You should ask yourself whether you have the technical skills, practical experience, and soft skills necessary to excel in this role. If you’ve built your proficiency through projects, internships, volunteer work, co-ops, research, and leadership experiences, and can clearly communicate your abilities in interviews, then you are positioning yourself as a strong fit.
In short, being the “right candidate” isn’t about the school name; it’s about proving that you can do the job better than most, adapt quickly, and bring value to the team. Employers will recognize and hire candidates who can confidently demonstrate that combination.
In short, being the “right candidate” isn’t about the school name; it’s about proving that you can do the job better than most, adapt quickly, and bring value to the team. Employers will recognize and hire candidates who can confidently demonstrate that combination.
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Karin’s Answer
Hi Michelle,
If you want to apply to big-name schools, by all means apply. I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Engineers from all kind of schools find jobs.
California has a wealth of great engineering schools and National Labs. Go to one of the UCs, Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD are all great schools. Look at CalTech if you want a school with low acceptance rate.
Get into some summer internships at LBNL, LLNL, Sandia or NASA and/or in silicon valley. You'll be fine.
If you want to get into any specific branch of engineering (let's say robotics or materials), research what each department focusses on, who their faculty are and what research they do. Pick one that aligns best with your interests. Visit some campuses and departments to see which ones vibe.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
If you want to apply to big-name schools, by all means apply. I wouldn't worry about it too much though. Engineers from all kind of schools find jobs.
California has a wealth of great engineering schools and National Labs. Go to one of the UCs, Berkeley, UCLA, UCSB, UCSD are all great schools. Look at CalTech if you want a school with low acceptance rate.
Get into some summer internships at LBNL, LLNL, Sandia or NASA and/or in silicon valley. You'll be fine.
If you want to get into any specific branch of engineering (let's say robotics or materials), research what each department focusses on, who their faculty are and what research they do. Pick one that aligns best with your interests. Visit some campuses and departments to see which ones vibe.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Fahad Elahi Khan
Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate
44
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Fahad Elahi’s Answer
You don't need to attend a prestigious school to get a good engineering job after college. While big-name schools can help with initial opportunities, what's more important is what you do during your studies. Skills, internships, and projects are key to long-term success. Many state schools have strong engineering programs and offer co-op options with local industries, which can lead to jobs and sometimes even better starting pay because of the hands-on experience. Look for schools with good accreditation, strong alumni networks, and helpful career services. Apply to a range of schools, and start building your resume with clubs or summer jobs. Many engineers from state schools do very well, so focus on your efforts and you'll thrive.
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Brian’s Answer
Hi Michelle,
Personally I highly recommend focusing on the "teaching universities" ( CSUs) rather than "research Universities"( UCs) . But the single best school I would recommend for Mechanical Engineering is Cal-Poly San Luis Obisbo. I have had the privilege with working with multiple graduates from their Mechanical Engineering program and the education they received was far more in depth than that I received at UC Merced.
I have also reviewed resumes with my direct supervisor when interviewing candidates. At no point did the name of the university they attended play a role in the decision to offer them a job. But not all managers are the same, so there is a large amount of luck involved.
Personally I highly recommend focusing on the "teaching universities" ( CSUs) rather than "research Universities"( UCs) . But the single best school I would recommend for Mechanical Engineering is Cal-Poly San Luis Obisbo. I have had the privilege with working with multiple graduates from their Mechanical Engineering program and the education they received was far more in depth than that I received at UC Merced.
I have also reviewed resumes with my direct supervisor when interviewing candidates. At no point did the name of the university they attended play a role in the decision to offer them a job. But not all managers are the same, so there is a large amount of luck involved.
Updated
Nicole’s Answer
Hi Michelle. Thanks for your honest question.
A large part of success is confidence. I start my answer to you with this statement because I want to encourage you to apply to a school because you think you can learn in that institution. Try not to limit yourself, in any situation, by assuming that you aren't strong enough to compete.
Yes, it is important to be realistic, but it is also important to stretch yourself. And when (not if) you are successful, you will realize that really, most of what will stop you will only be...you. And most of what will help you to win in a competitive environment, whether it is in applying to a college or in your career...will also be...you.
I completely understand that it can feel daunting. There is no shortage of online tools that share what the minimum GPA should be or what the minimum SAT/ACT/AP scores should be. I don't suggest that you completely ignore those pieces of information, especially if they are from reliable sources, but sometimes it is worth saying to yourself "I am going to try anyway"..because, in those instances, the worst that can happen is you don't get admitted but it won't be because you didn't try.
Your bigger question, imo, on "known school" is interesting and hard to answer. I agree that your work and what you demonstrate to employers is more about your accomplishments, what you have learned...and...and..and..how you present yourself both verbally, visually and in written form. These aesthetics can take you a long way even if the school you are graduating from may not be considered "a known school".
I hope you find this guidance helpful. Wishing you the best.
A large part of success is confidence. I start my answer to you with this statement because I want to encourage you to apply to a school because you think you can learn in that institution. Try not to limit yourself, in any situation, by assuming that you aren't strong enough to compete.
Yes, it is important to be realistic, but it is also important to stretch yourself. And when (not if) you are successful, you will realize that really, most of what will stop you will only be...you. And most of what will help you to win in a competitive environment, whether it is in applying to a college or in your career...will also be...you.
I completely understand that it can feel daunting. There is no shortage of online tools that share what the minimum GPA should be or what the minimum SAT/ACT/AP scores should be. I don't suggest that you completely ignore those pieces of information, especially if they are from reliable sources, but sometimes it is worth saying to yourself "I am going to try anyway"..because, in those instances, the worst that can happen is you don't get admitted but it won't be because you didn't try.
Your bigger question, imo, on "known school" is interesting and hard to answer. I agree that your work and what you demonstrate to employers is more about your accomplishments, what you have learned...and...and..and..how you present yourself both verbally, visually and in written form. These aesthetics can take you a long way even if the school you are graduating from may not be considered "a known school".
I hope you find this guidance helpful. Wishing you the best.