Though success in college is the common goal for most students, colleges at Ohio State vary in their suggestions and requirements for students to reach success beyond graduation.
Among the colleges represented at OSU, most require students to perform different tasks to prepare for graduation.
Ed McCaul, program director for academic affairs and student services at the College of Engineering, said although some students choose various types of schools or careers after graduation, the steps toward an engineering degree are the same.
McCaul said it is highly recommended that students take the review course for the fundamentals of engineering exam. Although exams are the key factors in reflecting students’ knowledge of content, he said internships, co-ops and team building are also major steps in succeeding past graduation.
According to the Engineering Co-op and Internship Program and Career Services, more than 98 percent of employers recruit through their co-op and internship programs first. Graduating students with co-op and internship experience typically receive better full-time jobs.
“Students should do more than just study – internships give students real-world experience and exposure,” McCaul said. “That is what makes them marketable to employers.”
Although engineering students must prepare for eight-hour tests and co-ops, students in other majors might require different things to succeed.
According to its Web site, the Fisher College of Business undergraduate program helps students develop effective skills in analysis, and strategic thinking and communication, which are crucial tools for a successful career.
Abigail Glass, an MBA student ambassador for the Fisher College of Business, said it is unrealistic to focus on one area of interest, and students should learn all tricks of the trade, such as accounting, finances and operations.
“Doing well as an undergraduate is key in finding success in business,”Glass said. “Students should focus on community involvement, joining leadership organizations and also gain knowledge in all areas of the business trade.”
“Part of our curriculum is to also focus on team-based projects,” Glass said. “Working with others is a great way to help students prepare for the real world.”
In comparison to the College of Engineering and Fisher, Knowlton School of Architecture requires students to do more career-specific tasks to prepare for graduation and beyond.
Amy Shaw, undergraduate programs coordinator for KSA, said students need to take the GRE as a senior to pursue a master’s degree in architecture, which is required to become a licensed architect.
In addition to taking the GRE and practicing in the design studios, students must construct a design portfolio to reflect their skills in architecture, Shaw said.
“The portfolio is meant to show the skills learned as a student in the design field,” she said. “It is an indicator of what kind of designer they are.”
Like most students in other majors, architecture students also need internships to provide work experience.
KSA’s goal is to prepare students to meet the challenges of an evolving society with changed expectations regarding environmental quality, sustained ability, standards of living and social programs. To gain such knowledge, new patterns of practice and research must be developed.
Though Fisher College of Business, the College of Engineering and Knowlton School of Architecture are different in curriculum, they all have one common goal – to prepare students for graduation and beyond.
