Kinda stressed about knowing which college to go to. Anyone know where Cal Poly's business school ranks compared to other colleges nationally? Is it a reputation that would resonate with employers post-graduation?
Cal Poly's Orfalea College of Business is well-regarded, particularly for its practical, hands-on approach to education. This "learn by doing" philosophy is a hallmark of Cal Poly and is especially evident in the business program. It's highly reputed in California and the West Coast, even if it might not boast the widespread name recognition of some Ivy League or internationally recognized institutions.
From a national standpoint, the business school usually lands within the top 100 in ranking lists, but the placement can vary a bit depending on the specific criteria used by the ranking organization. While this might not sound as impressive as a top 10 ranking, it's important to remember that there are thousands of colleges in the US, so top 100 is still quite an achievement.
When considering how this will affect your job prospects, keep in mind that the reputation of your school is just one factor employers look at. They're also interested in your individual accomplishments, internships, work experiences, and the skills you can demonstrate, all of which Cal Poly's hands-on approach should significantly boost.
The reputation that's most important is the one with companies/industries that you're interested in. I would strongly encourage you to research the specific industries or roles you'd like to enter after graduation and see where Cal Poly stands in those areas. Look for information on which companies recruit from Cal Poly, job placement rates, starting salaries, and similar topics to get a sense of how well the school will prepare you for your career. Do keep in mind that networking opportunities and location often play significant roles in these metrics.
Another approach is to ask current students or recent graduates about their experiences with career preparation and job placement at Cal Poly. This type of firsthand input can give you some great insight into what you might expect in that regard.
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