Civil Engineering - Where To Go?

[hazak]

Hey guys,

I got my admissions letters and now I am debating where to go. I am going for Master's in Civil Engineering (Water Resources/Hydrology). I am between the following schools.

University of Miami
University of Minnesota
University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Massachusetts

Would love to hear your feedback and any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Loric]

Purely based on city, i'd choose Chicago. I'm from Florida and I think Miami is too hot, and i'd not be caught dead in Minnesota. Nothing against Mass, just no desire to go there either.

 

This is not based on their programs, school, quality, or anything of the sort.

 

Have you been to the schools or know much about them? Since you're in, you do get to be picky about it now. Who has horrible parking? Who has nothing but a Walmart for 50miles? (had a friend who went to a "good" school with great funding that fit that bill.. and visiting him was.. an adventure..)

 

Have you had many dealings with the office staff who handle things? If i knew then what i know now, my first grad school would have been quickly crossed off the list as the office staff, administration, etc.. are absolute jerks. It's like being at the DMV 24/7 and there's not a single helpful, friendly, etc.. person in the buildings.

[Sigaba]

Would love to hear your feedback and any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

Congratulations, Hazak.

 

I am not an engineer but I do presently work for an engineering consultancy. I recommend that among the factors you consider in making your decision is the number of firms in the area that have internship programs.

 

That way, you could potentially stay close to campus during the summer while getting paid (albeit very modestly) to do some work in your intended field for a potential employer.

 

Also, if your career aspirations include becoming a principal, you might look at each institution's business school to see if you could do some course work. This type of training might give you an edge in the job market down the line.

 

HTH.