Georgia Tech MID vs UC (Cincinnati) MDes? Help me choose
TL;DR
If my goal is landing a job in a tech industry, designing consumer electronics, which school has the better corporate bridge?
University of Cincinnati DAAP MDes:
-Research-heavy. I’m a bit worried it may be too far removed from 'making' and traditional industrial design
-Offers a single co-op during the summer, which could be a plus for securing a job after graduation
-Financial aid: Graduate assistantship + scholarship
-Still wondering whether living in Cincinnati Ohio, will provide sufficient industrial design job opportunities after graduation
Georgia Institute of Tech MID:
-Stronger school brand and located in a bigger city (Atlanta)
-Focused on making + engineering
-Financial aid is not guaranteed; I haven’t yet received confirmation about an assistantship
- Concerned about finding internships/jobs without a formal co-op system or structured guidance
I’m an international student, so the job placement is huge for me. Both are STEM degrees so its a plus. Any insights would be appreciated!
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For those who would read:
Hello designers,
I’m stuck between two grad school offers and I would appreciate some advice. I need to make a decision by April 15th, so any real world information would be a lifesaver.
My Background:
• Product Design Bachelors
• Strong focus/strength in Consumer Electronics
• Goal: I want to get a job at a tech company, designing consumer electronics. I'm not looking to be an entrepreneur. I ultimately want to work with corporations and get my foot in the door in the US market. (I'm an incoming international student)
The Options:
- Georgia Tech (MID):
• Pros: Huge brand name and a major hub (Atlanta). I feel like the ecosystem there is better for consumer electronics.
• Cons: No guaranteed funding (assistantship) yet. Also, no formal Co-op, so I’d have to find internships 100% on my own. Is the school brand enough to land a job at an ID industry?
2. UC Cincinnati (MDes):
• Pros: Full funding (Assistantship) already guaranteed. Some of their Labs seems to be deeply connected to corporate experience (P&G, Google, etc)
• Cons: I’ve heard the MDes is very research/strategy focused. As someone who wants to be a hands-on Industrial Designer for consumer electronics, I’m worried it’ll be too theoretical. Also, is being in Cincinnati Ohio a disadvantage to get into Industrial Design industry?