Co-op Ambassador:
Thane Jacobsen
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Graduation Date: may 2019
Co-op Company: Club Car LLC.
Why did you decide to co-op?
I decided to co-op so that I could get real, on-the-job experience that was more in depth than simply a summer internship. I wanted the added responsibilities that comes with returning to a company that you have already established your capabilities with.
What types of projects did you work on?
I worked on a wide range of projects at Club Car because each rotation they switch your role. I rotated through testing, new product development design, and sustaining design positions. As a result I worked on data analysis for a road load simulator, developed two prototype cars for production builds, and was the project lead on a seat belt system sustaining replacement project.
Describe your relationship with your mentor(s) and other colleagues:
My mentor’s and colleagues all understood the nature of the co-op program so they were always there to help and give advice. Even though my mentors rotated each rotation along with my position, they were always around and continued giving advice and helping me even after I stopped working for them directly.
What was your most memorable moment on assignment?
The most memorable moment for me during my assignment was when, during a simple rear view mirror bracket design solution I was tasked with, I discovered several inefficiencies in the group of rear view mirrors and their assemblies. After doing some digging into the products, I was able to combine, eliminate, and re-source many of the components and ended up saving the company over $160,000 annually.
What aspect of your co-op assignment do you feel will be the most beneficial after you graduate?
The experience I got working with different groups of people and leading different teams will be the most advantageous for me going forward. After graduation, just about every project you ever work on will be a group project and the more experience you can get in that department the better.
What advice do you have for other students looking to complete the co-op program?
The co-op program is fantastic because it is so much more in depth than many other opportunities available. Simply put, because you continue to go back to the same company means they have more and more faith in you each time you return so they give you more and more responsibility. This means more critical tasks and projects that will give you invaluable experience that many people cannot match when you graduate.
