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Student Co-Op Testimonials

Kennedy Grant

Co-Op Graduate with Redstone Federal Credit Union

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“The learning experience needs to be taken outside of the classroom so a student can fully decipher their ideal career. This is exactly why I desired to apply for the co-op program.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“The program has given all students a direct insight into the world of professionalism. Professionalism surpasses just dressing nicely or remembering to tell your boss happy birthday. In the program, you’re taught that you not only represent yourself, but you represent the company, Calhoun, and your community! Students will embody poise and acquire self-assurance within their own talent.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

“All students should take advantage of this accomplished co-op program! From my own experience of being in the co-op program for the 2nd year, my exposure has created that link between academics and business affairs. The work force is highly competitive, and many employers expect students to have some experience, but the sad truth is, many don’t. Enrolling in the program will attract firms to you, due to having that training and knowledge of being in cooperative learning.”

Megan Holbrook

Co-Op Graduate with Madison County Commission District 6

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“I was looking for an internship opportunity to enhance my skills as a designer when I learned about the co-op program. It was exactly what I was looking for, so I decided to apply.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“I now have experience of what it’s like designing for someone else other than myself and assignments. Having this has been so beneficial to me, and it’s definitely made me a stronger designer.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

“Be confident in yourself and your abilities, but also come willing to learn and grow in your field.”

Lane McCulloch

Co-Op Graduate with 3M

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“I applied to the co-op program for the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field while still taking classes.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“Seeing a lot of the equipment talked about in class and seeing how people take different approaches to trouble-shooting problems has helped prepare me for a career in my field.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

“I’d tell anyone interested in co-op to do it. It is so worth it.”

Sara Anderton

Co-Op Graduate with YKTA

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“To help me gain access to experience in a career I have never worked in but was working towards in my degree plan.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“It allowed me to work around my school schedule, as well as learn hands-on experience for the job I do now. The co-op helped unlock potential I didn’t know I had. That confidence landed me my job!”

Q: In your opinion, what was the most beneficial part of being a co-op student?

“Finding YKTA! I was their first co-op intern; they were my first co-op job. Now, I’m on the path I want to be on to grow a rewarding, prosperous career in human resources!”

Braxton Pepper

Co-Op Graduate with Blue Origin

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“The reason I chose to apply for co-op was to learn and improve on my skills and knowledge outside of my trade school.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“Co-op has helped me understand how manufacturing plants are run. It has helped me with problem solving and finding solutions to errors in the manufacturing process.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

“I advise students to have a great attitude every day and to walk into your job ready to learn every day because everything is moving fast.”

Jared Henry

Co-Op Graduate with Bristol Bay

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“I chose to apply to the co-op program because I knew that they were connected to jobs where I could grow in my field.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“My co-op experience prepared me for my career in accounting by letting me prepare the actual schedules that will be included in the final report at the end of the year.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

“My advice to a student would be to definitely do it so you can gain experience before entering the workforce.”

Michael Dziubanek

Co-Op Graduate with Ascend Performance Materials

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“Not everything you need to know is in a book. And working in a real IT department has really filled in the “blanks” of my knowledge.”

Q: In your opinion, what was the most beneficial part of being a co-op student?

“Nothing makes the information stick in your head more than having to apply it in real world scenario.”

Q: What advice would you give to a student interested in cooperative learning?

1) Show up
2) Work hard
3) Listen more than you talk

Patrick Doherty

Co-Op Graduate with Nucor Steel

Q: Why did you choose to apply to the Co-Op Program?

“I knew that it would be a good learning experience and hopefully be a gateway to future employment.”

Q: In your opinion, what was the most beneficial part of being a co-op student?

“Gaining work experience and being mentored by those who are experienced and knowledgeable in the career path I have chosen.”

Q: How has your co-op prepared you for a career in your field?

“It has allowed me to get real life, hands on work experience that goes beyond the classroom.”

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