"Co-op is an exciting part of the engineering program at UC.  It has allowed me to apply what I learn in the classroom to my job.  I remember my first co-op quarter when I had to use mass conservation principles in order to determine the percent destruction of benzene in a thermal oxidizer.  When I completed the project, I leaned back in my chair and thought, "Wow!  I can't believe I know how to do this!" 

Co-op has also enabled me to better define my areas of interest.  I began my studies at UC as a chemical engineering student.  After two quarters on co-op, I decided that I didn't want to be a chemical engineer and chose civil and environmental engineering instead. My co-op experience as an environmental engineering student has assured me that it is a field I will love for a lifetime!

Co-op also helped me define my career goals.  After my final co-op quarter I knew I wanted a career doing research in the area of drinking water quality. Without my co-op experience, it would have been very difficult to decide if I wanted to do research, work for a consulting firm, or work for the EPA. I would probably also still be deciding if I wanted to specialize in land, air, or water.

Most of all, the experience gained through co-oping is invaluable.  The ability to work with other engineers, make future job contacts, and see first-hand the way things are done in the field make co-op an essential part of an engineering education."

Amy Driedger