<p>Hi everybody. I am up to my shoulders in college material, and the outlook is dim. I need some serious advice. One of the principal questions i have is whether i will suffer in the job market later on by pursuing a LAC type school that offers engineering, such as swarthmore/harvey mudd/lehigh or a LAC school with a 3/2 program, versus pursuing a tech school such as MIT/RPI/Worcester Poly/Union etc. I really would prefer a strong writing and humanities program at my school of choice, but it appears as if a more "wishy washy" LAC education will leave me shortchanged in the realm of Career opportunities later on, as i have read the cooperative/intern programs of these more tech oriented schools offer substantial experience and nuance, which translates to cachet in the job market. Also, i am worried as to whether the tech focus of these more engineering focused schools will ultimately serve me better then the more well rounded, and ultimately preferred, course of education at the LACs will provide me with (For instance, I've heard stories of MIT and other tech school students recieving decadent job offers upon graduation). Another thing that i have on my mind is the unique entrepreneurship program at RPI-How valuable is it in actuality? I think I would like to pursue a Engineering/economics or business combination, but honestly, what do i really no now? My interests are so diverse that i feel as if i could choose any career and be happy, but i dont want to shortchange myself later on for my indecision now. I have a strong interest in history, literature and creative writing that i would like to fulfill, but I'm not sure if its worth sacrificing job opportunity later on. Is a hardcore tech education the better route? Give me some focus!</p>
<p>It seems you are thinking way too much about what "future employers" are wanting, instead of what you are wanting. I will admit schools such as MIT and RPI have a better reputation with most of the tech companies, but if it isn't what you want, why go that route? Either way, as long as you work hard and do your best, you'll eventually end up where you were destined to all along. Just go with what feels best to you, without regard to what employers/family/friends ect. think.</p>
<p>"The good college should train you for nothing and prepare you for everything." -Bill Wilson, Admissions Dean at Amherst College</p>
<p>Skills that include oral and written communication, interpersonal skills, problem solving, and critical thinking; the graduate's attitude toward work; and having the respect of his or her peers are what make a college graduate attractive to employers. Nothing is as good as theory. Nothing is as practical and useful as a liberal education.</p>
<p>Consider this: </p>
<p>"A MAN IS A MAN BEFORE HE IS A PHYSICIAN OR A PHILOSOPHER OR A PLUMBER AND IF YOU MAKE HIM A REASONABLE AND SENSIBLE MAN HE'LL MAKE HIMSELF A REASONABLE AND SENSIBLE PHYSICIAN OR PHILOSOPHER OR PLUMBER." -Looking Beyond the Ivy League by Loren Pope</p>
<p>Consider this:</p>
<p>"THE BIG IDEA: In today's rapidly changing world, establishing a wide base of knowledge--the classical liberal arts education--with an emphasis on critical thinking and learning to learn will take you down a better path than job training in a specific field. No Reed student has ever majored in business or computer science, but among Reed alumni are the co-founder of Apple Computer and the inventers of the oscilloscope and the compact disc. When you run Norton Utilities to sweep for computer viruses, you're tapping the work of Peter Norton '65....No Reed student has ever majored in pre-med, but our alumni include a doctor on the cancer research team that developed taxol and a neurosurgeon who is rehabilitating actor Christopher Reeve. You get the idea. Few, if any, of these people had a clear notion at Reed of what they were going to DO. But from Reed they took an education. They came away with the discipline and the confidence to climb higher, for a broader, clearer view."
-- Life After Reed: What can you do with a Reed Education?</p>
<p>These are the top 10 things employers look at:
Work Ethic
Physical Performance
Speaking
Writing
Teamwork
Influencing People
Research
Number Crunching
Critical Thinking
Problem Solving
--10 Things Employers Want You to Learn in College: The Know-How You Need to Succeed by Bill Coplin</p>
<p>Do you see major up there? Also note that those 10 skills are all emphasized in liberal arts schools like Swarthmore.</p>
<p>I believe that a liberal arts education is truly the most sensible way to go. It will prepare you for everything. Professional studies can come later.</p>
<p>I hope I've given you lots of good insight and things to think about.</p>
<p>It seems like you aren't sure if engineering is for you. I had the same doubts and came to the conclusion that I would be better off with a well rounded education. From your post, it appears that you are interested in job opportunities after you graduate. If that's the case, major in economics or any hard science at a top school. Other majors work too, but those are the best if your interested in merely securing a good job. All the schools that you listed on your other thread are fine. </p>
<p>I agree with dchow08. Receive a liberal arts education (which isn't limited to only LAC's) and the professional studies will fall into line.</p>
<p>Most people in engineering and computer science end up getting a master's degree. It's easy to get aid to do it full-time, and most employers pay for it if you do it part time while working. So, I would not worry excessively about attending a liberal artsy place for undergraduate, as long as it offers the basics in your field.</p>
<p>It's interesting that you put Union in the same technical category as MIT and RPI. Union has a very strong writing and humanities program and might fit you very well. You can change out of engineering if you decide that you don't like it, and you don't have to transfer to get the humanities/social sciences.</p>
<p>You might also want to look at schools such as the University of Rochester, which has a strong engineering school, but also a liberal arts focus. In fact, at UR, you're required as an engineering student to take a "cluster" of three related courses in humanities and a cluster in social sciences. You get to pick the clusters, so the topics should be of interest to you.</p>
<p>There are many universities with good engineering programs that do not preclude you from the humanities.</p>
<p>Thank you everybody for the enormously helpful replies- That was an excellent post dchow08, I appreciate your time.</p>
<p>So basically, the best thing i can do is move on to graduate school after a LAC type education to specialize? For instance, If i want to get a job right after graduation, pursue the hardcore tech school-But, if im not sure, il find my way and develop the requisite skills at a LAC? That was my original plan, because honestly, i don't really know what i want, but i suppose i can't go wrong with a top LAC. I just dont want to pay for it later on.</p>
<p>You can become employed immediately out of an LAC, too. If you get an engineering degree, you can get a job. If you're not 100% sure you want to be an engineer, don't go to the tech schools - if you change your mind you'll have to transfer.</p>
<p>If you're really concerned, contact the career offices at the schools you're considering. They'll help you figure out your job potential.</p>
<p>Yeah, I think it was something like only 30% of the people who started going for an engineering degree actually went all the way to become engineers.</p>
<p>Do a 3/2 at a LAC and CalTech or Columbia(some of the names I've seen more often with those programs). Top end engineering, and great LAC stuff. Or go to Mudd. They rock.</p>
<p>Ultimately i think the 3/2 program is the way to go. Im trying to see what my options are, as going to caltech would be schweet.</p>