[Jnn]

Hi, I'm asking about whether experience is more important (e.g-internships, coop education) or the reputation of the school/faculty (e.g-top business/engineering/health sci program in the country) to employers.

I feel that most employers are looking for experience more, especially with an undergraduate degree in a non-research related field. However, an MIT graduated engineer would also be a very appealing candidate even if he has no experience vs. an engineer from a more unknown university in a remote town, no?

[onesmartazn005]

Hi, I'm asking about whether experience is more important (e.g-internships, coop education) or the reputation of the school/faculty (e.g-top business/engineering/health sci program in the country) to employers.

I feel that most employers are looking for experience more, especially with an undergraduate degree in a non-research related field. However, an MIT graduated engineer would also be a very appealing candidate even if he has no experience vs. an engineer from a more unknown university in a remote town, no?

I feel that connections and experience are more important than reputation personally. My sister told me about a Harvard graduate and a San Jose State University student applying for the same job, and because the San Jose State University student had more experience, the company hired the San Jose State University graduate over the Harvard graduate.

[phalken]

Experience is probably more important, yes, but the two are also related =/ If you go to a rich school, odds are you'll have more and better research opportunities, or just more opportunities overall-- people connection through university name is pretty useful.

I don't really know what your situation is right now, but if it's about choosing colleges, definitely go to the one with a more invested research program/treasury, just because reputation and experience can often go hand in hand.

[Hax]

Ultimately, you need both. The school gets them to look at you and your experience gets you the interview. I have had my bosses tell me they don't look at certain resumes bc they are from X school.

[AngieK]

It's all about knowing the right people. The right connections land you the interviews you want and ultimately push your application to the top of the stack. So no matter what school you go to go out there and meet people.

[Jnn]

Wow I totally forgot about this topic, thanks for the replies guys. Yes it is about choosing universities, the two are close acedemically, one is just more well-known nationally while the other has a strong coop program I feel would benefit me more. =)

[xthefirst]

I think I might be a bit too late; Do the one with the co-op program, in my opinion. If you feel that program is in your favor, then by all means forget about that equally-academically strong school.