So I got into the University of Florida for business and I’m from California. I was wondering how good their reputation is out here in California. I know their business school is supposed to be really good, but it wouldn’t mean much if people in California don’t know about them because I plan to find a job in California after school.
In “general”, outside of the southeast, UF is thought of as a “State Flagship” university, and would have a good reputation across the country. The same for any state flagship; University of George, University of Tennessee, Ohio State University, Alabama, etc. You get the point.
California, of course, has excellent schools, in particular the UCs, so don’t expect folks to be overly impressed with an out of state school (other than the Ivy’s).
While at UF, take advantage of the school being “really good”. Get some internships, get involved in clubs and build up your resume. Then it’s much easier landing a job after graduation. You also may want to take your first job outside of California, build up your resume, and then return. If you don’t limit yourself to a single state (even one as large as California), you’ll have more opportunities to land the “right” job.
Good Luck!
I was wondering this as well. I’m from NJ and got into UF engineering (and got a huge scholarship). I’m wondering how difficult it would be to find a job back home in the Northeast after graduation, especially where there is such a high concentration of really good universities. Seems like it’s going to come down to Rutgers vs. UF for me… Anybody have any input/advice?
Both Rutgers’ engineering and overall ranking is well below UF’s and it is only known in NJ. There is a reason for that. UF’s undergraduate engineering program is ranked higher than those of Yale, Brown, Dartmouth and of course Rutgers. That alone should decide it for you.
Keep a few things in mind…
Engineering (as a career in industry) is not as sensitive to school “prestige” as many other majors. When interviewing for a job (especially after you’ve been in the workplace for a few years), all of the focus will be on your demonstrated skills and experience, very little on what school you attended. Most working engineers (the folks doing the hiring) graduate from public schools.
Also, most ABET engineering programs, will follow a similar curriculum. Thermodynamics at Rutgers isn’t much different than at UF. No one (interviewer) will down grade an engineer for graduating from a state flagship university, even if they know little about the programs itself (see ABET accreditation).
In your case, when you start interviewing in the Northeast, the interviewer will be much more interested in what internships you’ve worked, design teams you’ve been part of, and any leadership roles you may have had, than if you attended UF or Rutgers.
For that reason, you should attend an University that’s a solid fit for you, based on cost, majors offered, career services available, clubs/design teams, and how well your major is recruited at that school (and any other factors that matter to you!).
Good Luck!
By the way, you can search for Gator Alumni on LinkedIn, and see where they work and in what type of roles.
https://■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■/edu/alumni?id=18120&trk=edu-up-nav-menu-alumni
The first thing you’ll notice, is that the number 1 location for Gator Engineers (outside of Gainesville itself) is the San Francisco Bay area. UF engineers (and business majors, etc.) are recruited nationally.
@Gator88NE You always have the BEST advice!!! Many thanks! My girl is doing well at UF and I find myself often looking back at some of your posts for info.
I think UF should appoint @Gator88NE their official ambassador - he/she (just realized I have no clue whether you are a dad or a mom!) does do a lot to help UF applicants/admits/parents. Your advice is always appreciated. Thanks from me too.
@Gator88NE @khanam @saismom Thank you all for your replies and helpful advice! I’m really leaning towards being a Gator at this point 
I’m visiting the school soon and I couldn’t be more excited! I’ve heard nothing but great things. Thanks for the helpful advice!
And I agree, @Gator88NE should be the UF ambassador. Very helpful and knowledgable! 
@P16NEER - Wondering what you decided? Are you headed to the Swamp?