Co-op Op

I think that if I had the chance to do the whole college thing over again, I think I would have gone on a Co-op. The things you learn in your classes are soooo different from what actually goes on at work. The only way to know if you're headed in the right direction is to give it a go.

The true test of your degree is to go on a co-op. What is a co-op (some of you may ask)? It's typically a semester and summer spent at a job that relates to your degree. It's a great way to test the water. I think that having that experience is one of the best things you could do for yourself. Not to mention, for engineers, these jobs usually pay anywhere from $12 - $20 dollars per hour.

I was offered a co-op, but declined it. Why? Well, I made the mistake of thinking that it was more important for me to stay a school and keep working toward my degree. What was I thinking?! Prospective employers love candidates that have real engineering work experience. I also could have found out if that particular career was right for me. Companies that take co-op students will very often hire them once they graduate.

Many colleges will even require you to take a co-op or an internship before you can graduate. Your school probably has a "Director of Cooperative Education", or someone similar, that can give you more information and even help you find a co-op.

Don't be silly like I was, search the experience site for co-op opportunities. And Go For It!