USC Engineering Approach Theory vs. Hands On

brdymom
Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:29:20 +0000

Although I can’t answer your question with respect to USC engineering, this is one of the most important considerations in choosing an engineering school. We learned this the hard way. My older S is graduating this year with a BE in electrical engineering from a “theoretical” top tier school (not USC). He has a decent gpa, but can’t get a job. In the rare interviews he does get, he is always asked to forward copies of his work on “significant” projects (routine lab assignments do not count). Since his curriculum was highly theoretical, he doesn’t have much to forward and is at a disadvantage when compared to those who went to the schools with a more hands-on approach. After a significant investment in his undergraduate education, he now must go back to school to get a Master’s degree and he is looking for the most “hands-on” program he can find. Unless you are planning to go straight through to a Master’s level, make sure the undergraduate curriculum incorporates “significant” projects in your major field of study. Also ask the Career Center for placement statistics in the major you are considering, including the names of Companies who have RECENTLY hired their grads and the percentage from your major who get jobs right out of school. Also ask for statistics on Internships and Co-ops