How SME’s Co-op Experience Enhances Your College Journey and Launches Your Career

How SME’s Co-op Experience Enhances Your College Journey and Launches Your Career

Engineering students spend a lot of time thinking about how to best prepare themselves for a thriving future in their chosen field. Is your major the right fit for you? And how can you gain real-life experience to help feel out your choice? How do you compete for a job as a consultant in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or construction management?  

Navigating your choices can be daunting. SME’s civil engineering Internships and Co-ops address all these questions and provides students with valuable hands-on experience and the chance to network with established professionals. As you assess building materials and concrete, work on infrastructure, and contribute to projects that revitalize communities, your experience will transform your educational journey. Through the experience, you will find true passion and just might meet your future employer. But don’t just take our word for it – our past and present Co-ops can describe the benefits better than anyone: 

“When you’re a Co-op on a construction site for the first time, you adapt quickly and learn how to be safe on a construction site. I didn’t realize how much of an impact my SME Co-op had on me until I was surrounded by other new hires who hadn’t done a Co-op or Internship. SME’s training gives you the underrated skill of knowing how to be aware of your surroundings on a site, maneuver in a safe way, and be comfortable talking to the trades out in the field and asking them questions.”

– Alex Fischer, Summer 2017 Co-op

“Half of what I learned in school came solely from being in the field during the Co-op. The applicable knowledge you gain outweighs any downsides you can think of.”

– Case Vanderheide, Summer 2021 Co-op, Summer 2022 and Summer 2023 Intern, and current SME team member

“My mentor at SME advised me early on to speak with more confidence. I grew as a person and as a professional through my Co-op experience.”

– Alicia Homeszyn, Summer 2015 Co-op and current SME team member

“The Co-op shows employers you can cut it in the real world. Getting decent grades shows you can complete a challenging task, but completing the co-op demonstrates that you can provide practical solutions in complex situations.”

– Cam Place, Summer 2015 Co-op and current SME team member

“I always knew that I wanted to do engineering, but I didn’t know the specific field I wanted for a career. I declared a major I wasn’t passionate about and was feeling unsure. Then, SME’s Co-op made me realize I wanted to go into construction and civil engineering. If you like engineering, the Co-op will clarify your path. You’ll try out different types of work and find your passion.”

– Koby Stewart, Summer 2022 Co-op and Summer 2024 Intern

“I thought I wanted a 3-month internship, but meeting with SME at my school’s career expo changed my mind. The position has a lot of great benefits, and the company has a wide set of departments to help you figure out what you want to do.”

– Lindsay Parker, Summer 2024 Co-op 

“The variety of work I saw in the field fueled my learning. Every job, from soil mechanics to concrete tests, created a lightbulb moment in school. I’d think, ‘Oh! I saw that in the Co-op!’ when I was back in the classroom.”

– Garrett Kraut, Summer 2019 Co-op, Summer 2020 Intern, and current SME team member 

“The Co-op is all about hands-on learning, and experience is the best teacher.”

– Enock Rwigenza, Summer 2024 Co-op 

If you’re ready to develop essential practical skills and receive training from professionals who are eager to invest in you, apply to the Co-op or reach out to employment@sme-usa.com if you have questions.