Six Months Six Lessons
Written and Illustrated by: Cora Hochstetler
A closer look into 6 students personal experiences with their 6-month Co-Op
One of the major pulling factors for many students when deciding on Drexel University is the Cooperative Education Program. This is where students spend six months out of the year, working in their field of interest. Although Co-Op is an exciting time to explore what their major is leading to, it is also an anxiety-ridden time over what to expect and the process that it entails to find a Co-Op. I got the opportunity to gain insight from six students about their experiences and what they learned over their time working.
Abigail Purdon
Major: Finance
Q: What are you doing for your Co-Op?
A: I am working at Morgan Lewis & Bockuis LLP here in Philadelphia. My official role is as a paralegal assistant.
Q: What was the Co-Op application process like for you?
A: Well I accidentally uploaded the wrong resume for my applications in A round, which induced an enormous amount of stress, but after that, it was pretty smooth sailing. This served as a reminder to not wait till the last minute to submit everything. My interview was an hour and a half long, filled with interesting questions, such as “How would you defend the ice cream shop you worked at in high school?”
Q: What has been your favorite thing about your Co-Op experience?
A: My favorite part about my Co-Op experience personally has been being able to be a part of trial and arbitration preparation. It’s a high-stress fast-paced environment and I would say I have learned more through that experience than I have in any of my classes. Being able to actually be thrown into work and be heavily involved is definitely my favorite aspect of my Co-Op. I feel like a true employee!
Q: What has been a lesson you have learned from your Co-Op experience?
A: There is no such thing as a stupid question! The whole point of Co-Op is to learn and while you may feel silly asking questions, you were chosen for a reason and no one thinks the question is stupid. Everyone around you wants to help and make the experience as positive as possible for you. So just ask questions!
Callan Fritsch
Major: Photography
Co-Op Location: Philadelphia and New Jersey
Q: What did you do for your Co-Op?
A: I worked for two different co-ops three months each. One with Kelinski Photography being a studio intern and one being a Marketing Intern for Triple Threat Lacrosse. The first was very boring with no responsibility or variation from day-to-day tasks and no compensation for any work done, the workplace was unprofessional and overall, not enjoyable. My position at Triple Threat allowed me to create and take responsibility for creative ventures which ultimately made the job much more fulfilling. I created Instagram graphics weekly that incorporated photographs I took as well as design elements to promote upcoming tournaments or games.
Q: Would you recommend an unpaid internship?
A: Honestly no. Although it taught me a lot and was a good experience, I believe that our work is valuable and should be compensated.
Q: What was one major takeaway from your Co-Op experience?
A: My Co-Op experience, taught me what I really valued in a workplace and how I love to be part of teamwork environments. I think it also taught me to find a workplace where your talents are really valued and appreciated.
Joey Geardino
Major: Graphic Design
Co-Op Location: Philadelphia, PA
Q: What are you doing for your Co-Op?
A: I am currently a football social media and operations intern at the University of Pennsylvania. I work closely with the team (players, and coaches) during practice and games to create content for the UPenn social media channels. I also work with the sports information directors to ensure that our identity and voice are cohesive across all athletic platforms. In the operations aspect, I help with recruiting, travel, and gameday logistics which include anything from searching for hotels, restaurants, and other accommodations for road games, creating a minute-by-minute schedule for home and away games, and helping to plan official and unofficial visits for high school prospects.
Q: What is your favorite part about being a Social Media and Operations Intern?
A: I really enjoy getting to be creative with what I am doing, as well as combining my work with my love for football!
Q: What has been a major takeaway for you during this 6-month time?
A: A major takeaway from my Co-Op has been a higher sense of confidence in my own work.
Audrey Williamson
Major: Art History
Co-Op Location: Philadelphia
Q: Where did you spend your 6 months for Co-Op?
A: I did my co-op at The Clay Studio in Philadelphia! My job title was a Curatorial Assistant, so my overarching task was archiving/curating TCS’s permanent collection of art (it was around 700 pieces so a task that takes a while) but day to day I would end up helping with whatever my boss asked me! so it def looked different from day to day- I normally would do a lot of grant writing, give tours of the art gallery on the first floor, and prepare for events.
Q: What is something that Co-Op has taught you?
A: The Clay Studio is a nonprofit arts organization, so I learned so much about how a nonprofit functions and how much is needed from each member of the “team” - in terms of both time and just general flexibility with helping with whatever is needed. The Clay Studio is SUCH a fantastic place and when the staff all love the mission of the company it creates such a team and such a lovely workplace dynamic that makes you just incredibly excited to be at your job! I loved it so much.
Chris Han
Major: Graphic Design
Co-Op Location: Philadelphia, PA
Q: How did you spend your Co-Op time?
A: I am currently working in marketing management for TVD Associates. I design social media posts and outgoing emails and update websites for multiple nonprofits that TVDA manages. Other responsibilities include working with my co-workers to strategize a marketing plan for upcoming events, physically working at the events, and continually discussing how to become a more efficient and effective team.
Q: How did you grow as a person or designer during your Co-Op time?
A: Definitely would say that I became more confident in my work. I was hesitant on taking on tasks, in the beginning, thinking that my ideas weren’t refined enough but I began to realize that I was pushing out good work. There are many times when I need to go back and tweak certain parts of my designs, but that's all part of the process.
Q: What is a lesson you learned from your experience on Co-Op?
A: Take initiative even if you’re confused. There are times when I can not reach people because I work remotely most of the time. When I can’t reach the person, I have questions for, instead of waiting around for their answer, I either find a way around it to keep progressing or work on another task. If you wait around, eventually tasks stack up and become unmanageable.
Sophie Newell
Major: International Business
Co-Op Location: Philadelphia
Q: Where did you spend your 6 months on Co-Op?
A: I was in the Procurement Group as an Order Management Co-op. I processed orders and input them into our Inventory software (IFS) to help track, monitor, and expedite orders. I also maintained product price listings for accurate unit pricing. I prepared and distributed weekly reports documenting open orders, sales, shipping, and service activities. I also reported incorrect and incomplete orders to supervisors and verified client information. And lastly monitored and tracked customer orders to meet lead times and drive on-time delivery.
Q: Is there anything that you learned especially through your application process?
A: From an application process, it’s super important to highlight and advertise yourself as best you can, don’t sell yourself short. It doesn’t matter how much work experience you have under your belt or how relevant that work is, but that you highlight your strengths in your resume and eventually in your interviews. If people know you’re confident in those good soft and hard skills, employers are more likely to offer you a job.
Q: What was something that you learned from your experience?
A: I learned that communication is one of the most important skill sets to have in your repertoire! The better your written and spoken communication, the more likely people are going to take you seriously and listen to you!