What was the most valuable thing you took away from college? Ivy importance?

It's been helpful to me to have a national alumni network because I've worked in a lot of different states and large metropolitan areas, and UPenn's network is likely equally as national and equally as helpful as Notre Dame's is, if not more so. But if I had wanted to stay in Florida where I grew up, University of Florida would likely have been more helpful.

You wanna end up in NYC I-banking? UPenn, no question. You wanna stay below the Mason-Dixon? Do what you want.

And congrats on getting in - no small feat.

 

I didn't go to college but I feel that the networking someone sets up in college is important. My BIL is a chef at a fraternity and I have seen how the networking is VERY valuable. In fact I know of a certain drink that is now a national brand which was developed between two of the brothers at that house. One of the kids parents owned a national beverage company and the other a fruit company. The idea, simple. Knowing the right people to make it happen, not as simple.

 

As the saying goes, it's not what you know, it's who you know.

Networking and interships are the most valuable thing. That's my greastest regret from college and I harp on my cousins that are in college continuously how important it is. Trying to get them to learn from my mistakes.

 

definitely the academics in my case, but maybe I should have been more concerned about the networking and social relationships. Anyway, I can clearly see how the academics have benefitted me while the other stuff have been questionable.

 

College was quite a few years ago but, for me, the biggest take-aways were:
- technical knowledge,
- the ability to do basic research and self-learn, and
- a boost in my own personal confidence to succeed in life.

 

The diploma. After I had it in my hands, I had an unbelievable amount of opportunities in front of me than just a few hours earlier.

And, I realized just how lucky I was to be able to use it over others who never tried, couldn't afford it, or just gave up.

My future completely changed with just a piece of paper.

 

I agree with these two.

 

For me, the three most important things I did as an undergrad were:
-become fluent in Spanish
-do internships (i.e. get leadership skills)
-learn to read/research/write diligently

Philly is amazing, so don't confine yourself to campus. Intern, work, volunteer, or otherwise get out and meet people in your industry.

As for UPenn alumni, I'm pretty sure it doesn't matter where they are. It's the name.

 

The best thing you will likely take away from undergrad is the ability to then attend graduate school and further differentiate yourself from the majority. The "piece of paper" is really true. "Pieces of paper" in some fields is even better. Doors will be open (or pay better) that wouldn't be open otherwise.

I was ME, and what both undergrad and grad didn't do is teach me how to do anything in particular extremely well. You are not going to be an expert in fluids, or FEA, or design by getting a degree in mechanical engieering. Anyone that thinks that is nieve. At least in my case what it gave me was a foundation from which to become proficient in some of those things in my work life. It also gave me confidence that if I didn't know the answer (usually the case), I knew where I could find it.

I have managed interns. I also interned during undergrad and would recommend it. However, it doesn't teach you leadership skills, it teaches you following instruction skills. You will likely be doing some tedious grunt work and besides, three months isn't enough time to do anything Earth-shattering anyway. Treat the internship as an extended employment trial. Your odds of getting hired where you interned are much greater than elsewhere if they are happy with your work.

 

Anyone can go online today and get a degree in pretty much anything. I did the real thing going to classes and received a BS in pre-med biology and a BA in art. More importantly my experience was well rounded by attending class with others in varied fields of study. Basically I know a little about everything in addition to a lot about my area of expertise.

 

Now that I'm pursuing an advanced degree, I would have the say that the American universities put a lot of emphasis on the name. If you have your sights set on Wharton, then by all means transferring to Penn is a great idea. After knowing the wharton crowd decently well, they certainly are a tight knit group and take care of their own. They have strong footholds in many of the more desirable firms and companies and have quotas each year in hiring Penn alum.

I see college as a conduit for the career I'm pursuing. Friends are great and awesome, but they will be there for you where-ever you go. I have chosen a better college based purely on the quality of education, preparation for future, and the bridging network necessary for the next step. Never looked back. The friends I thought I would lose are still there and awesome

 

I just skimmed through some of the posts and from the few I saw, I have to agree. Academically I didn't learn much that could be of great help to what I am currently doing, but the friends and connections I made will be helpful for many, many years to come.

 

the overhead projector from the science dept. we used it to put on light shows. it was in the 60s