UCI vs Cal Poly Pomona

I’m currently a civil engineering major who got accepted to UCI and CPP.

I’ve heard CPP is more hands on and teaches you to go into industry, while UCI is theoretical and teaches you to go into academia.

I’m looking to innovate, but not to teach and go towards the academic route. Which school would provide me the most opportunities to innovate as an engineer?

Both are ABET accredited so both will have similar course curriculum’s but have you done a side by side comparison to see if CPP offers more “hands-on” labs or projects vs. UCI? Have you talked to any current Civil Engineering students at either school to get their opinions on the Civil Engineering programs and Research/Job and Internship opportunities? Have you checked out the Career centers for each school and see which companies frequent the job fairs or actively recruit?