<p>Hello,</p>
<p>I am coming up on finishing my first year of graduate school and I need some input regarding something I have been going back and forth on. I am getting my master's in public policy and administration (MPPA) at California Lutheran University. Looking back on the year I have done quite well. I have kept a 4.0 and earned A's in every course I have had thus far. I am working two graduate assistantships one through student life and one working directly with my program director doing outreach work. I will also be assisting in establishing an honor society this summer for MPPA students. Lastly I was appointed to the graduate student council as well. All of this has taken place in a matter of less than a year.</p>
<p>However lately I have been wondering something. When I was deciding on graduate schools and programs I was also accepted into the MPP program at Cal Poly SLO. Deciding between CLU and Cal Poly was a tough decision. Both had different pros and cons. In the end I chose CLU. However I did recognize that Cal Poly is a larger more well known institution. </p>
<p>My question is what is more important; having a master's degree or the institution where you earned it? I guess I ask this because I often wonder if Cal Poly looks more impressive than Cal Lutheran in regards to where you earned you master's degree. Additionally, given my success at Cal Lutheran is that more important than going to perhaps a better institution? </p>
<p>These are some of the questions I have been going back and forth on and would love some outside opinions regarding this.</p>
<p>There is no one correct answer. You have accomplished a lot in very little time, which is impressive. Going to a better school but accomplishing very little does not look as impressive on a resume. Going to a well-known school and accomplishing a lot is the best scenario. And better-known schools may be targeted more often for recruitment. </p>
<p>Most people have told me that the school you attend only really matters for your first job. After that, employers want to know what you’ve actually done. What you have going for you is all excellent resume building material. You have demonstrated leadership consistently in various areas of your work. I don’t think you should be second guessing your decision given your success and the fact that you’re already a year into your program.</p>
<p>Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and input regarding my questions/concerns. I ultimately feel I made the best decision for a number of reasons. Your feedback is very reassuring. Additionally I am not quite sure if I would be doing as well at Cal Poly. In my own opinion I do not see a huge distinction in either CLU or Cal Poly SLO in terms of recoginition specifically in my area of study. If I passed up an Ivy league school then of course where I earned my masters would play a bigger factor. I am considering looking into a doctoral program and it is my hope that empolyers, recruiters, and admissions, will value my efforts and work more than the institution where I came from. Once again thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I really appreciate it.</p>