Co-op Ambassador:
Jennifer Grancho
Major: Civil Engineering
Graduation Date: May 2019
Co-op Company: Crowder construction
Why did you decide to co-op?
As my junior year was approaching, I became indecisive if Civil Engineering was right for me and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do design or construction. Getting a co-op seemed like the perfect opportunity that would allow me to experience one of those fields while also getting real world experience and applying the concepts I learned in class.
What types of projects did you work on?
During my first and second rotation, I worked on a $15 million project called Elledge WWTP where Crowder was renovating the plant’s aeration equipment and adding two equalization tanks that would allow a steady flow throughout the day for the plant. I was onsite for my third rotation and was part of a $25 million project called Terrible Creek where we were building them a new plant that would allow them to process more waste throughout the day. This included a new administration and maintenance building, UV treatment, and new BNR and Clarifier tanks. My fourth rotation was on a project worth about $100 million called Brown & Williams WTP. This project was unique because it was split up into two jobsites about 15 minutes apart so you really got to see how planning and scheduling played an integral part in the project’s success. Since both plants were the main water treatment plants in Durham, NC shutting both down was not an option. Also, since one of the project sites was smaller and had a second contractor onsite, deliveries had to be coordinated because one contractor couldn’t be blocking the entrance into the project.
Describe your relationship with your mentor(s) and other colleagues:
I became really good friends with both of my mentors which allowed me to kid around with them while also getting work done. Everyone at Crowder is really invested in helping you learn and understand what is going on and they don’t mind stopping what they are doing to explain something to you. I’ve also become really great friends with the admin there and am still in contact with some.
What was your most memorable moment on assignment?
The most memorable moment while on assignment was being able to stand on top of the equalization tanks that were built as we were going to turn on the mixers. It marked the turning point of the job because it was one of the final pieces needed to be able to get substantial completion on the project (in other words, we were almost finished). It was cool because I was on rotation for 8 months and it was great to see everything I was working on begin to finalize.
What aspect of your co-op assignment do you feel will be the most beneficial after you graduate?
The work experience is definitely the most beneficial part of doing a co-op. It allows you to stand out among other prospective candidates who are applying for a job and you are able to talk and answer interview questions easily based off of your experience. The work experience has also helped me improve my time management and communication skills, which are beneficial in school and regular everyday activities.
What advice do you have for other students looking to complete the co-op program?
I would recommend researching the company you want to co-op with to make sure they will be a great fit for you, but also that you’d be a great fit for them. Secondly, you should always put in 100% of effort in the work you do/submit and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Your mentors are there to help you and know how it feels being new so don’t worry because there aren’t any dumb questions. Lastly, show up early and stay late if need be. This shows you care about the work you are involved in but also those 5-15 minutes in the morning help you get up to date with where you left off the day before and in my opinion the day runs smoother.
