Co-op Ambassador:
Kayla DiMarco
Major: Civil Engineering
Graduation Date: December 2018
Co-op Company: Mckenney's
Why did you decide to co-op?
I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do Design or Construction Management. I thought that real-world experience before I graduate would be a great way of figuring out what type of work environment works best for me.
What types of projects did you work on?
I was assigned a large construction project (a Center for Advanced Pediatrics) and I simultaneously worked on smaller renovation jobs. I essentially performed the duties of an Assistant Project Manager to my mentors.
Describe your relationship with your mentor(s) and other colleagues:
Great! I had so much fun working for Mckenney’s. Construction is a very casual work environment, especially when you’re working from a jobsite trailer with the foremen. My mentor is brilliant and taught me so much. The other project managers and department head are all very nice, funny, and hardworking.
What was your most memorable moment on assignment?
There’s too many amazing moments to really choose one that is most memorable. But I would have to say overall my most memorable experience was during a company-wide meeting. Every year Mckenney’s employees fundraise for United Way through donations, kickball tournaments, themed parties, etc. Everyone gets involved in the fun. During our company-wide meeting the President, John Mckenney, was speaking about what specific programs our funds are supporting. As he was describing a charity called Cherish House, he started to cry in front of the entire company. Cherish House victims have experienced horrible abuse and it’s emotional to listen to their stories. Watching the President’s passion for helping other people affirmed to me that Mckenney’s is a company of good people.
What aspect of your co-op assignment do you feel will be the most beneficial after you graduate?
I learned that liking a subject in school doesn’t mean that should be your career. There’s other factors to consider such as how long you would be sitting in a cubicle on AutoCAD, flexibility of schedule, what type of people you interact with daily, the amount of hours you typically work, etc. I also realized what qualities to look for in a company when job searching.
What advice do you have for other students looking to complete the co-op program?
Co-op is not just about gaining work experience. It can be a fun preview into the graduated life as well. If you are looking at companies that would move you away from the Clemson area: use that time to meet new people, develop hobbies, and travel. You have 3 semesters with your company, some people drive back to Clemson every weekend and never feel at home in their co-op city. Your best friends in Clemson will still be there when you return! So take advantage of not having homework or adult responsibilities and enjoy the co-op experience.
