Don't get burned (Score 1)

I went to a graduate school to avoid getting a real job and ended up putting myself in a big hole carreer-wise. Make up your mind what kind of job you want and what field you like. Talk to engineers in that field in that position and ask them what path you should take. Knowledge is power here: talk to as many people as you can. For instance: if you are interested in DSP applications, UT Austin has a big pipeline to TI. Whether or not that school has a good "reputation" may not be important for you. Find out what schools have good recruitment connections with what companies. Good luck!