<p>So our big question, which probably can’t be answered, is will it hurt my New England daughter’s chances of getting a job back home if she attends UT? or will her only opportunities by in Texas and the SW. We know the answer for VT is no, it doesn’thurt your chances, as my older daughter has been recruited at VT by one Boston based construction company and by one global company with offices in Boston. </p>
<p>We already have experienced the puzzled looks and head scratches of friends, acquaintences and family who are all wondering why she applied to UT and look at us with doubt in their eyes when we tell them that civil engineering at UT is ranked higher than MIT. But will employers have the same reaction?</p>
<p>I agree that this question “probably can’t be answered” (at least not anywhere close to a definitive answer). However, you might consider starting a separate thread on CC just for this question.</p>
<p>My guess – only a guess – is that it will not make much difference. One of the great virtues of engineers is that they are among the most pragmatic of professionals. Above all else, engineers respect whatever works. Thus, I would expect that all good engineering and construction firms would know about UT’s reputation in engineering, and not only would respect your daughter’s decision, but also might very well recruit actively in Austin (which after all, is a nice place to visit). UT’s size is also an advantage here (as it would be for OSU). Precisely because it has tons of engineering students, they know they can find lots of good recruits at UT. In other words, if we were talking about Rice University in Houston, then this might be less true.</p>
<p>Is it possible that more companies from Boston and New England will recruit at VT than at UT? Maybe, but not necessarily. I suspect that in some ways Austin is easier to get to; presumably Austin has a much bigger airport than does Blacksburg. Also, Austin is worth going the distance. Even if firms do not recruit as actively at UT, I have no doubt that everybody, nationwide, will respect an engineering degree from UT just as much as they do one from VT. The worst case, then, is that D2 might need to be a bit more proactive… but only a bit… in the worst case scenario.</p>
<p>Again NROTC thank you for your advice - I like your thoughts about engineers being pragmatic. Very good point.</p>
<p>To get off topic - I saw on another thread that you graduated from Auburn. Coincidently my nephew is at Auburn, chemical engineering major. War Eagle!</p>
<p>This is how we were taught to shout it: Waaaaarrrrrrr EAGLE!
Yep, I am civil engineering graduate of Auburn. Also did ROTC there before going into the Navy.</p>
<p>Hope that you will let us know how your trip to Ohio State goes. I know a lot about OSU because I live close to Columbus. My knowledge of VT and UT-A is based on what I hear and read. I have never visited either Blacksburg or Austin.</p>
<p>Even engineers in Maine were impressed when I told them I have a master’s degree in structural engineering from UT-Austin. The school IS well-known and respected among civil engineers.</p>
<p>When I was in college in Austin, my boyfriend was at MIT. I visited him a couple of times. On one visit, I went to check out the CE department. I was shocked at how few CE profs there were! One short hallway.</p>
<p>MaineLonghorn - that is good to know, expecially since I think she would love to live and work in Maine/New England. </p>
<p>By way of an update - OSU is out. Down to VT or UT, not surprisingly. We didn’t visit OSU because while at VT we recieved an email alert about an mugging at gunpoint on the OSU campus. That was the tipping point for us.It was a longshot anyway.</p>
<p>Congratulations! I really miss our 4 years of visits to Blacksburg but think Austin would be a cool place to visit as well. Hope your daughter has a great 4 years and that you enjoy your time in Austin!</p>
<p>Great Choice! Congratulations. She will have one of the best civil engineering degrees in America. Plus, a great cultural experience too. Now she needs to practice her drawl, as in y’all. =D> </p>