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Experience Co-op!
Hello fellow readers!
I’m beginning to think my summer is much like retirement… I thought I would have lots of free time, but it actually seems like I’m just that much busier. Many things have happened since you last heard from me. I moved into a new place downtown and it turned out to be more work than I thought. In the end, it was well worth it and I’m still waiting for my roommates to move in. It should be interesting to find out who I live with come September!
I also started a new class at Carleton this summer – Probability and Statistics. I’ll admit, returning to classes after being on my co-op work term for a year was a bit of a challenge. I will definitely have to freshen up on my math skills before I start my third year.
For the past 15 months, I’ve been working as an engineering co-op student at a local company that specializes in machinery condition assessment for industrial machinery and turbine engines. The company’s main product is in-line oil sensors that detect metallic particles in oil which will warn you of mechanical failures.The company was actually founded in Ottawa by some of Carleton’s own engineering graduates.
My role during my placement was within the product development group. The majority of my work was research and development based. Working jointly with the hardware development group and the mechanical group allowed me to learn new things on a larger spectrum. Half of my time was spent in a lab doing experiments and recording data. To test the sensor’s capabilities, we use thermal chambers, flow rigs, shakers and various other rigs to simulate operating environments and verify that our product is working properly. The rest of my time was spent making drawings for parts I needed, writing reports or resolving various issues presented to me. Most often, a great deal of team work comes into play when solving issues or conceptualizing and building a new product.
I found co-op to be a great experience and I would without a doubt recommend it to anyone! Not only was it a great opportunity to make money and replenish your school fund, it provided me with the opportunity to network with industry leaders. I’ve received priceless information from colleagues that’s helped me to develop a better understanding of my future goals.
If you have any questions about my co-op experience, don’t be afraid to leave a comment below.
Till next time,
Carl
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