Co-Op 2
Jacob
Experience Information
Employer: Koops, Inc
Job Title: Engineering Co-Op
Major: Electrical Engineering
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
Koops is a medium sized company that specializes in creating custom automation equipment for a wide variety of applications. Their clients include companies within the automotive, aerospace, and medical fields.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I worked in the Mechanical Engineering department. I spent my time creating parts, assemblies, and drawings in Solidworks. I often created or modified individual parts for existing machines, but on several occasions I designed groups of parts for larger changes. On some occasions I worked on internal development projects.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I was able to diversify my skills and add a great deal to my foundation of engineering knowledge. Being an Electrical Engineering major, I performed many tasks that required me to go outside of the confines of my previous academic experiences. First, I gained extensive CAD design experience. I gained a more complete understanding of how industrial equipment is designed and assembled, as well as the drawing standards needed to convey the information necessary to machine and fabricate parts. I also learned more about pneumatic equipment, industrial sensors, and other mechanical hardware.
Favorite Part of the Experience
The work environment of the ME department, and Koops as a whole, was a big positive of this experience. I had an excellent set of co workers who I was always able to ask questions of and learn from. Through these interactions and the work I performed, I also feel that I gained a much more well rounded set of engineering skills.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has given me further insight into the automation industry, as well as the roles of the people within the various departments at Koops. In this regard, this semester has increased the appeal of starting a career within this industry.