The University of Cincinnati

The Industrial Design program at the university of Cincinnati is intended to churn out acceptable interns for the supporting corporations and big name firms that use its coop system as a labor mill. There is no guidance on how to take those experiences and turn them into a respectable design position. Academically the program is lacking. We did not sit down and have a conversation about design theory until our senior (5th) year. Any attempts to deviate from their system (of creating good interns) is frowned upon and met with resistance. Post graduation I was told that they didn't think I exhibited the level of aptitude that a graduate of their program should portray (so why did they give me a degree? I obviously didn't earn it). They denied my request for a recommendation to graduate school. (good thing - I probably didn't want their recommendation if that was their view). At this point you may be thinking disenfranchised slacker student, that they shouldn't have graduated. That would be a fair conclusion, except that I'm now enrolled a very competitive and sought after masters program at Carnegie Mellon. If I have one take away from design school at UC, it is technical skills. I couldn't draw a stick figure when I showed up, and now I can draw a cube. As far as being a DESIGNER though - their advice always seemed to be "think outside the box, but don't think outside of OUR box."

5th Year Male -- Class 2008

Social Life: A+, Scholastic Success: C