Student Co-op Stories

"The co-op program helped me find my niche in the engineering world. The companies I co-oped with allowed me to work on many different projects and through trial and error, I was able to find that I’m passionate about working on embedded systems. Thanks to the co-op program, I am able to get a head start in my career and can pick out the projects I know I will be passionate about."

“I wanted to take advantage of that hybrid between taking all the technical, business, and management classes, which is a combination that makes the UC construction management program unique. [And] my co-ops have done a good job setting me up to hit the ground running for my full-time job at Robins & Morton.”

“From software development to data science and analysis, I’ve had a really wide range of experience within the two companies. I participated in creating scripts that will be used well after my term and knowing that I’ve been able to help the business even after I leave [that] has been really rewarding. I’m going to go into my field really confident in my abilities thanks to these opportunities.”

“In my time at UC, I have met so many people who I know will help me succeed in my personal and professional endeavors. I did my first co-op at DuBois Chemicals in the Cincinnati area as an Applications Engineer in Surface Finishing. It was a very hands-on experience and I gained so much knowledge about the company and how to work in a professional environment.”

“Choosing to go to UC was one of the best decisions I have made! It has given me so many great opportunities and introduced me to my best friends. Co-op has been important to me because it’s let me work with industry leaders and get real world, meaningful experience. It also allowed me to explore what my different interests are and what career path I would like to take. 

“I have been able to continue to grow as an individual through my co-op experience. Co-op has opened my eyes to the possibilities that lie ahead. In my first rotation, I already learned an assortment in operations, manufacturing, and process engineering."

"Throughout my co-ops, not only gained great experience, but I was also treated like a full engineer. My first co-op semester I worked on a set of quality documents that are now the standard at Cooper plants worldwide. I’ve also been able to travel with every company and both companies have helped with housing expenses. I came to UC to get real-world experience and it has not disappointed!"

“Coming into college, I was worried about being overwhelmed by the different format of classes. However, the countless free resources that the university provides truly set me up for success and allowed me to not only achieve but exceed the goals I had set for myself academically. As a result, I have been able to receive my dream co-op opportunity."

“UC's engineering program has set me ahead of the curve in the job market. Because they get me on the job experience so early on in my academic career, I can really get a feel for what career path is for me before it's too late. The balance between academics and professional experience that UC's engineering program provides is impeccable."