Michigan State University

I transferred from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, after dissatisfaction with the environment and school philosophy. Michigan State was a wonderful change, and I can't imagine getting my degree from anywhere else.

5th Year Male -- Class 2000

Friendliness: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: C

It has mainly helped me through the connections I had made as an undergrad. I had participated in several projects, both as a volunteer and an employee, and worked with some well-known faculty on those projects. I would frequently volunteer to do extra work and ended up with very good references as a result. Because of this, I have not really had to apply in the normal ways for a job (e.g., by reading the newspaper, searching the internet, etc.). The connections that I had made would recommend me to their colleagues for jobs that they knew were available, and their colleagues would contact me to see if I was interested. Every job that I have had since graduation (and they have gotten progressively better) I received through these connections. It's been great!! I think that taking the initiative, especially at a large university like the one I attended where there are 40,000 undergrads and one can be easily overlooked, is key. If you take the time to get to know your professors and make yourself available to the variety of experiences that are out there, you'll make a name for yourself that will ultimately get you in the right circles for what you want to do after you graduate.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000