On September 26, The University of Akron’s (UA) College of Engineering and Polymer Science (CEPS) held its biannual Career Fair for Engineering, Engineering Technology and Computing. Thanks to the College’s Co-op and Placement Program, this centerpiece event was a key opportunity for students at CEPS to connect with potential employers and explore available job opportunities.

PAID INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

The career fairs represent just one of the comprehensive resources and services offered by the Co-op and Placement Program. This program, which holds the distinction of being the nation's fifth-oldest, plays a crucial role in equipping students at CEPS for their future careers by providing paid industry experience.

While still pursuing their degrees, students gain valuable exposure to the industry, allowing them to refine their career preferences, all while earning an average income of $43,200 over the course of three co-op rotations. Each year, more than 1,000 UA students are successfully placed into engineering co-op positions and make an average hourly wage of $20. This allows them to begin their careers with little or no debt through scholarships and the co-op certificate program.

"As the new director of this well-established co-op program, I was very impressed with our recent Career Fair! It was wonderful meeting so many representatives from companies who were eager to hire our students, over half of whom were UA alumni. Our program's legacy is rooted in our belief that the best way to prepare our students for their careers is to learn by doing. Our office works with each student interested in co-op by providing resume reviews, mock interviews, negotiation assistance for our graduating seniors and even support to alumni after graduation. We take great pride in the one-on-one support we offer to our students and work very hard to provide our employers with candidates who are prepared for success." — Dr. Selena Myers, Director, Co-op and Placement, College of Engineering and Polymer Science

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE SAYING ABOUT #UAKRONENGINEERING STUDENTS

Companies also benefit from UA's Co-op and Placement Program, finding skilled students who demonstrate strong work ethics and a desire to learn, enabling them to fill important positions.

“UA engineering students are earnest, hard-working, bright and result-oriented. We have several of them working here at the Pittsburgh District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, all second to none. I have kept in touch with several of my former UA students over the years, and all of them are gainfully employed and successful in their engineering careers. The College should pride itself on organizing a very effective program that produces the future of our profession. I mean it with all sincerity. That is why I have pushed the start of recruiting efforts at UA’s engineering career fairs.” — Alex Bredikhin, P.E., U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District

ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS TO #FUTUREENGINEERS ON CO-OP

"Relax and have fun! Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make the most of your time." — Aaron Hoffman, majoring in computer science

"Don't shy away from things you may be unfamiliar with. If you find yourself unsure about something, do not be afraid to ask questions! It serves one well to learn from a diverse group of people." — Brad Barton, majoring in mechanical engineering

"Put yourself out there. Don’t be afraid to ask co-workers about their projects. Don't hesitate to put your name out there and get to know people." — Jose Garcia Barahona, majoring in electrical engineering

"If you feel you aren't being challenged enough, talk to your supervisor and ask for more challenging work so you are learning as much as you can." — Meganne Chapman, majoring in civil engineering

RELATED CONTENT:

• Learn more about our Co-op and Placement Program
• Take a look at upcoming co-op events

Story by CEPS Marketing.

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.