<p>"I would think I wouldn’t need to put a little smiley face on every post that is intended as tongue in cheek. Maybe I’m wrong. "</p>
<p>A. though ive never been diagnosed with any autism spectrum thingiy, i DO sometimes have difficulty judging other folks feelings and motivations - a fortiori without a visual of facial expression</p>
<p>B. Considering what I have seen on CC, that being put seriously wasnt far off, now was it?</p>
<p>:)</p>
<p>bovertine,</p>
<p>My only “connection” with PSU is having driven to it several times to have ice cream there. Central PA is beautiful country, love to drive through it, but one does it slowly, savoring the hills and valleys. </p>
<p>I-5? Done that too, used to live in SoCal. No piece of cake these days, but at least you’re going straight most of the time. </p>
<p>Back to the survey, much as I think it’s methodology is bogus, if it calls attention to the fact that State U grads can find happiness too, then it has served a decent purpose. </p>
<p>What is unfortunate, and not something discussed here yet, is how often these “practical” majors that lead to “practical” jobs (engineering, accounting and such) also have relatively high rates of burn out and obsolescence not too many years later. Take middle aged engineers for example. At least according to some recent articles, the more senior folks are often perceived by management to have obsolete skills etc. Any engineers here care to comment?</p>
<p>That applies to many industry jobs whether in marketing, computers, design and development–there are very few areas where experience over a certain amount is very valued today. You here this often ________________is a young man’s game.</p>
<p>Hubby graduated with an engineering degree from USMA in 1974. Hasn’t worked a day in his life as an engineer. I think that his engineering education helped when he was a Cub Scout leader.</p>
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</p>
<p>As a graduate of state universities, one of which is on the list, I’ve always known that was true. I also knew that PSU had a good reputation, and since I already knew this I was a little surprised at what I perceived as some defensiveness about the school. Maybe it was from another poster. Like it was so isolated recruiters would need Sherpas to pack in pens with the corporate label.</p>
<p>
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<p>I think there may be some truth to this. Although it may not have so much to do with age as with having the good fortune to be employed in areas where you have been able to keep your skills up to date. A lot of engineers don’t do any in-demand technical work, and their jobs are tailored to the organization where they work. With the amount of turnover these days, you could find yourself without anything in the way of marketable skills 5 years into your career. </p>
<p>I think the people with the most problems are those who have worked for years in mid level technical management. If you managed to work in electrical design for example, and have been doing this for years, it is likely you’ve kept up with the latest technology and keep yourself marketable.</p>
<p>I’m a middle aged engineer who has changed jobs four times in my career, often to unrelated areas. For example, I’m now involved in writing and enforcing energy policy - something completely different than anything I’ve ever done in my life. But I have been lucky.</p>
<p>From “the Cream of the Crop” tab attached to the article</p>
<p>recruiter comments about some of the “elite” schools</p>
<p>Columbia University
“
produced excellent well rounded students.”
“Good academics.”</p>
<p>Cornell University
“Students are well prepared and present themselves in a professional manner.”
“
extremely knowledgeable about our business and understand what it takes to succeed and growth within our organization.”
“
they have great technical skills and are able integrate into our firm’s culture with ease. They bring great passion, great curiosity, they have an eye for design and are socially responsible.”
“Return on investment, alumni/executive presence internally, great quality of candidates.”</p>
<p>Dartmouth College
“Level of talent and preparation from academia that can translate easily to an entry-point role. Academic preparation develops skills that can be used across multiple business functions in our organization.”</p>
<p>Harvard University
“Very intelligent and well polished candidates.”
“Diversity of student population on a variety of levels, from background to field of study to ethnicity, with a unifying quality of demonstrated leadership and ability to think in ways which can change the world.”
“Strong historic track record of success within the organization. School produces high-caliber students.”
“Very smart people go in, very smart people come out.”</p>
<p>Princeton University
“The transition seems to be seamless. The ability to interact with clients is fast tracked.”
“It is an excellent school with a very robust curriculum.”</p>
<p>Stanford University
“Very well-rounded candidates (leadership, communication, critical thinking skills strategic and analytical), interpersonal/team skills.”
“Very smart students with great soft skills and leadership potential. Great cultural fit.”
"Most well-rounded, intelligent candidates. "</p>
<p>Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“What’s great about this program is that it matches us with students
who have demonstrated excellent academic preparation and motivation.”
“
quality and alignment of
course work, historical success of alumni.”
“Reputation and excellence in technology education.”</p>
<p>Johns Hopkins University
“Johns Hopkins teaches their students technical and managerial expertise in administering complex behavior change and social marketing programs, developing advocacy skills and ensuring institutional capacity development.”
“
the caliber students, and their soft skills, i.e. leadership, initiative, maturity.”</p>
<p>Massachusetts Institute of Technology
“What’s great about this program is that it matches us with students
who have demonstrated excellent academic preparation and motivation.”
“
quality and alignment of
course work, historical success of alumni.”
“Reputation and excellence in technology education.”</p>
<p>Northwestern University
“Solid alumni base, strong performers.”
“Best candidates for … development programs
”</p>
<p>University of California-Berkeley
“
stringent admittance criteria, all the applicants are strong. Everyone wants these kids!”
“Students are well rounded, motivated and are more willing to work their way into a leadership position.”
“Great overall academic and leadership skills.”
“The students have a solid and broad foundation which prepares them to contribute quickly. They are innovative thinkers and fit beautifully with our collaborative work culture.”</p>
<p>University of Chicago
“Strong programs/curriculum, skill set of students. Strong alum presence, excellent career services.”
“Strong analytical skills.”</p>
<p>University of Pennsylvania
“High leadership potential Strong communication skills”
“Students are smart, ambitious, assertive, and good at adapting quickly to the business environment.”
“Usually have good internships and academics. A strong finance club.”
“Reputation, curriculum, location, prior internship experiences.”</p>
<p>University of Virginia
“Students work closely with their career development contacts on campus and as a result they are well-versed in researching potential employers and interviewing.”
“Top academics, great interpersonal and foundational skills, past success of students within the company.”
“Strong caliber of students in technical fields
and business and liberal arts.”</p>
<p>Washington University St. Louis
“
most rigorous academically of the schools we are currently recruiting from.”</p>
<p>vs. their comments on those “top ranked” in the survey</p>
<p>Pennsylvania State University
“Excellent career placement office that works well with students and alumni
Bright, well rounded students that have the core competencies we desire.”
“Academic program aligns with company’s needs, consistent results and strong company campus recruiting team.”
“Broad majors, strong curriculum.”</p>
<p>Texas A&M University
“Academically strong, excellent career preparation; students consistently research the company in-depth prior to any meetings or conversations and have excellent questions. School is very business and analytically focused.”
“
strong engineering focus and regional presence.”</p>
<p>University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
“The university is quite selective in their admission process
Their graduates have received education that align with our core business needs. Graduates
perform well and tend to stay with the company.”
“Great students, the university is very strong in a lot of different fields that we hire for.”
“Successful partnership in the past with the career center and the students have successfully met our skill sets and business needs.”
"Our managers have very specific technical needs and the curriculum and knowledge that students gain in their program meets our needs.</p>