I think the issue also has to do with the fact that people approach pre-professional majors with a skewed set of expectations–that majoring in X hot thing will guarantee a job. Unfortunately, our economy is such that not even business or engineering majors get a free pass anymore. Being unemployed for a year after college is not unusual in this day and age, even for engineers.
Having said that, I do agree that these weak placement rates are probably related to some systemic problems at Ohio State–that the sheer size of the school makes it difficult to make connections, get recommendations, and network effectively. You are truly a number at OSU.
It’s not surprising to me that the schools that actually have the best track records for cultivating great STEM talent are the “Oberlin 50.” Percentage wise, they produce more people who go on to get doctorates than R1 schools. (I know that getting a doctorate is not the same thing as getting a job, but I point this out because I think it demonstrates that smaller schools set students up for long-term success). http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf08311/
Regarding Oberlin 50 vs. a School Like Ohio State: A high tuition rate allows the former set to maintain a very different student to faculty ratio (and probably a higher ratio of staff for advising/career office). The outcomes are therefore better. And it is not just Oberlin 50: an engineering but undergrad focused and private school like Harvey Mudd also does extremely well.
The state’s decision to keep tuition low (one of the lowest in big 10), coupled together with very limited state subsidy, makes going tough. I am not saying that University absolutely cannot do better for its students with current rates, or should not be trying to do so, but it would be much easier to do so if the revenue per student was higher.
These schools often offer a significant amount of aid, though. Wealthy alumni and generous endowments allow them to do this. They are not simply colleges for the wealthy.
I have been following this thread and i must say that my D’s experience with the Fisher School of Business met all of our expectations we had when she enrolled. the job offers are out there although it may take some a little longer. The fact of the matter is per the report for Fisher undergraduates:
“85% had job offers by graduation
91% had job offers within 3 months post-graduation”
Now it is apparent some turned down the job offer based on the statistics but that is their decision to turn down a job offered. My daughter graduated from Fisher with an average GPA above 3.0 (middle of the pack) and her experience closely mirrors the average experience enunciated in the Fisher materials, she had 3 internships (2 generated through Fisher,) she graduated a semester early (atypical) and had numerous job interviews in her area of interest and got the the job she wanted prior to graduation in the salary range and bonus range noted in the Fisher materials . There are always outliers, some caused by lack of effort or just plain bad luck but OSU gave my D the opportunity she needed and she delivered.
For the parent of the young man still looking I am sure he will land something soon (I know it took me awhile when I graduated and it turned out OK. I wish him the best!
Thanks for the input. My OOS son is a Fisher direct admit and scholar for this upcoming fall. We just returned from the Visit Fisher Day and were impressed. It was very different from IU’s Kelley Direct Admit day. Based on a number of factors, my son will most likely enroll. Your daughter’s internship/placement experience is similar to many others we have spoken with. As a parent, I appreciate you sharing and confirming our thoughts.
My son has been accepted to Ohio State and Va Tech for computer science. Computer Science is the highest paying undergrad engineering major at both schools There also should be a lot more opportunities. Every company needs someone with computer skills but not every company needs an aerospace engineer., a petroleum engineer, etc. Look at this report from Ohio State Engineering Career Services. It provides salaries for undergrads, masters and PHDs.
@whs2016, could you share more about your experience on visiting Fisher and Kelley, what are the major difference btw the two you mentioned? I’m on the same boat, thank you