Is it worth the extra year to find a Co-op?
Every college I have visited has talked about the amazing Co-op program they offer for engineering students. Co-op programs seem to have greater success for the student as opposed to internships that only last the summer. If I decide to do a Co-op, will that affect my cost to attend that college since it adds a fifth year to my schooling? Also, what is the likelihood that company will offer me a job once I graduate? #graduated #co-op
2 answers
Ken’s Answer
Hi Abigail!
When I was in Human Relations I was involved in creating coop programs for engineering students, supervising those coop students, and doing college recruiting of engineering students.
The experience gained by these students was very important from a number of reasons:
- it helped them to understand what engineering was all about
- it allowed them to create networking relationships that helped them throughout their career
- even if we did not hire them, the students were more attractive to other employers as they had the experience of actually using and becoming involved in the application of engineering principles
The most frustrating time that I spent in college recruiting were the ones in which the graduate, early on in the job found, it was not what he/she thought it would be, as they did not take time to do sufficient career exploration to know what engineering was all about.
The best way to get a start in engineering is to go to your local community college and become involved in their coop programs, as the cost is more reasonable and, if you want to go on to a 4 year school, they have good transfer programs where you credits will transfer.
Here is a site that was set up for girls like you who are interested in engineering:
http://www.engineergirl.org/
I wish you the best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!
Tatianna’s Answer
I specialize in Army Occupations and Career goals. There is a great variety of engineering opportunities allotted to you being a college student however, receiving the experience needed for an occupation can be tedious. Students may apply for internships or may be sponsored by a company, in which does not provide much financial security.
To my understanding, you are concerned about attending a fifth year of college to become more competitive in the job market, when you may not even have to. You could receive on-the-job training and experience, in the Army, making even more competitive in the job market! Not only will you receive experience and certifications while being compensated, your training will count towards college credits to help expedite your time spent earning your degree!
Our engineering careers (to name a couple) include:
Geospatial Engineer
Geospatial engineers are responsible for using geographic data that supports military/civilian operations for Disaster Relief and Homeland Security. They collect, analyze and distribute geospatial information to represent the terrain and its possible effects.
Job Duties
* Extract geographic data from satellite imagery, aerial photography and field reconnaissance
* Create geographic data and compile them into maps
* Help commanders visualize the battlefield
* Create and maintain multiple geospatial databases
* Prepare military-style briefs covering all aspects of the terrain
Technical Engineers
Overview
The technical engineer supervises or participates in construction site development in areas such as technical investigation, surveys, drafts and construction plans/specifications. They conduct land surveys, make maps and prepare detailed plans for construction projects.
Job Duties
*Perform field and laboratory tests on construction materials, surveys and drafts
* Draw topographic maps and charts using Computer Aided Drafting systems and software
* Conduct geodetic and construction surveys and results utilizing Automated Integrated Survey Instruments and Global Positioning Survey Technology
* Draw diagrams for wiring and plumbing of structures
* Provide technical support for vertical and horizontal construction projects
* Build scale models of land areas that show hills, lakes, roads and buildings
Future Civilian Careers
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career as an engineer with the government or in the private sector.
Education Benefits
In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Go check out goarmy.com for more information.
Hi Tatianna, I edited your question to remove your phone number as posting contact info goes against our community guidelines!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin