UCLA or USC...

[coo77]

Originally Posted by JorgeZepeda

I differ in opinion from Coo77...
I am an engineer and can tell you that network does make a difference in this field. I attended CSUN for undergrad and USC for graduate school. After graduating from a state school I was able to beat out both USC and UCLA graduates because of my extensive network with companies like L-3 Communications, Triumph Aero, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman.

I do however agree that in California right now, even with a good network its hard to find a job. Which is why I am leaving California. The jobs that are here are low paying and combined with heavy taxes, not in my best interest. However, that isnt a school issue.

I agree with you. I think a professional network in the engineering industry and among people at different companies goes a lot farther in engineering than what school you went to. My workplace is full of ex-Boeing, Raytheon, Rockwell, etc.. employees, hired because of the connections they made in the workplace, not the college they attended. Your college degree seems to be more of a check mark in the engineering field. The interviews are often technical and more than "So you went to my college! Great your hired!." Some industries seem to emphasize what school you went to more than others, like law and finance. A professional network in your job field helps in every industry and usually surpasses your college alumni connections in importance. Sometimes though, a bunch of alumni from a college will start a business together and you get start-ups dominated by connections out of college.

But... considering the OP is in architecture, I'm not sure what schools have connections in that field. Cal Poly SLO seems to be the most well known large architecture school, even higher than USC and UCLA in that field.

[edsg25]

interesting. I'd love to see what kind of discussion "Cal or Stanford" would produce on the SF sub forum.

[BarcelonaFan]

Architecture.

[CAVA1990]

Architecture isn't a particularly good field to be in now, regardless of where you go to school. Therea are a lot of unemployed experienced architects.

[Captain Obvious]

I wonder how influential a USC or even a UCLA network can be when there is such an abundant supply of Bruins and Trojans in Southern California.

It seems like these sorts of networks only really work when you are going to places outside of the colleges usual catchment area.

[BarcelonaFan]

K, rank these schools in terms of academic reputation, recognition and overall opportunities (networking, alumni, career services).

Stanford, USC, Berkeley, UCLA

Which one also has the best international reputation?

[Bunjee]

Originally Posted by coo77

Cal Poly SLO seems to be the most well known large architecture school, even higher than USC and UCLA in that field.

Yeah, Cal Poly SLO is the best in California. OP, if you're looking at Stanford, why? Go to the best architecture school for the best connections, not just the general brand name. Go to Cornell. COL would be cheaper too.

[BarcelonaFan]

Originally Posted by Bunjee

Yeah, Cal Poly SLO is the best in California. OP, if you're looking at Stanford, why? Go to the best architecture school for the best connections, not just the general brand name. Go to Cornell. COL would be cheaper too.

Actually I was just wondering about the best schools in Cali.

Stanford doesn't have an arch school.

[smokingGun]

actually at this stage in the real estate cycle I'd suggest USC over Sci Arc, and UCLA a distant third. Many architecture firms in the region are downsizing & outsourcing if you haven't noticed. I had a friend who was making $200k+ doing warehouse/urban space loft conversions during the bull market but now is making less than half that on smaller commercial remodel projects. It's tough right now and you need to have a business background & relevant internships to diversify your skills in case you can't land a position at a firm right away. USC's real estate program is top-notch & gives you the tools & contacts to broaden your horizons in a way that Sci Arc or UCLA can't.