So I’m reading you like lots of things. And that’s great. It seems like you are enjoying things.
I’m also reading you don’t like the career outcomes - but ultimately, that will be determined by the student and not the school or school name. So how do you know you’d do better at Pitt. UCB is arguably the top ECE school in the country. Look at their 2024 placement report - at last time they updated (months after graduation), 24% still were seeking employment.
As far as where many students go - that’s them. If you’re not interested - you won’t. You’ll apply to jobs that meet your needs.
So for career outcomes, there’s zero reason to switch.
As for co ops and internships - Pitt doesn’t do anything other than other schools. If you want a co op, go on indeed, find them, and apply. My son co oped with a kid from Ole Miss - he was an intern. He found his internships. He found his 19 interviews and 5 offers - no different than a kid at Vandy or Pitt will.
You are creating something that doesn’t exist - in this regard.
The career fairs are lackluster? Many don’t like the companies that come anyway.
Set up an indeed search. Put in ECE or Electrical Engineering Summer Internship and go - and you’ll find the same jobs that you will on handshake - but earlier. One poster had a kid at Alabama and noted her friend got the exact same roles on handshake as their friend at Michigan.
You might be homesick - that’s very common and understandable. And I get it - but you have friends. Stay busy with them. Know that getting an internship after first year is near impossible. After second year hard but not impossible.
But the reasons your are giving - if they’re true and I don’t want to diminish your feelings - but are - not a legit reason to change in my mind.
If you had no friends or were miserable or couldn’t handle the South or it’s too Greek or whatever, I get it.
But the career stuff - nope. No reason to transfer out.
You need to learn how to find a job, how to search for a job.
Pitt or Vandy - nothing will be different from this POV…if anything, you’re more likely to get better attention at Vandy (just because of its size and financial resources).
My guess is you are homesick. You kind of acknowledge it. It’s very common…and hopefully by Christmas, it will be past.
Ps -budget matters. Can your family afford Pitt ? I don’t see it as a downgrade. I see it as a sub but if your family can’t afford it, that’s another issue.
But get involved, talk to your RA, invite someone for lunch at Pizza Perfect !! You’ll find your place I’m sure.
Ps - both mine wanted to come home. One went through school fine - didn’t love, didn’t hate. The second can’t imagine have gone anywhere else. In fact she just returned for a few days this past weekend ( graduated last May). It got so bad early I had to fly her home - she recovered and then some. So what you are experiencing is very common.
Good luck.