Day in the life of an Engineering Co-Op by Dresden Moss

Hi! I'm Dresden Moss.

I am an incoming 3rd year studying mechanical engineering at the University of Akron. I’ve had a unique college experience with my first year being entirely online and my second year only having a fall semester before jumping headfirst into an engineering Co-op. My career goal is to work in the space industry and (hopefully) be accepted into an astronaut program. Here at Fives, I work in the business development department, solving engineering problems for customers and modelling products, as well as working with other departments to test new products in the lab. A fun fact about me is that I was given the superlative of “Most Unique” from my high school. I am excited to share with you a day in the life as a Co-Op at Fives North American Combustion

6:30 am: Wake up and get ready for work.

I try to get as much ready as I can the night before, so I don’t have to rush in the morning. So, the most important thing is to grab my coffee before heading to work. Recently, I’ve been attached to cold brew with mocha creamer, it’s essential to start my day!

7:20 am: Begin the daily commute.

I live a decent bit away from the office, so on mornings when I’m coming in, I try to give myself as much time as possible to commute. Usually, I have a podcast or playlist on to keep me company for the drive.

8:00 am: Check emails.

As soon as I get into the office, I boot up my computer and begin reviewing my tasks for the day. I start with checking my email for any company announcements or new requests. This is also the time my boss would contact me about any new projects. After that, I check that my previous checklist matches my current tasks, and if not, I make a new one. I use a memo pad for my checklists because I find that physical lists help me stay on track more than digital.

8:30 am: Start the grind.

Every day is something new, but this is the time I would start the biggest thing I have on my plate. Usually, I’ll try to start with any computer work I might have and save any lab work for the afternoon. That way I have a set schedule, while also breaking up the monotony of desk work. Last week, I was working on an engineering model and system study which took up most of my morning time. Usually, I’ll have a list of several jobs from multiple people which I would rank based on urgency. These projects give me a chance to employ the skills I’ve learned in the classroom to real world applications, and I love being able to solve real engineering problems.

11:00 am: Meetings.

I try to schedule any necessary meetings around this time, that way its late enough to not interrupt anyone’s morning, while early enough to avoid running into lunch time. In lieu of meetings, last week I spent this time tracking down parts in the lab and clarifying any questions I might have for the various lab tests I’m a part of.

12:00 pm: Lunch time!

I take this time to decompress from the morning, step away from my computer and recharge. If the weather is nice, I might take a walk outside, otherwise, find some way to stretch my legs.

1:00 pm: Check in.

After lunch I usually check in with my boss, to answer any questions I might have from the morning, or any updates on my current jobs. If my jobs include anyone else, I’ll also check in with them and update them on my progress.

1:30 pm: Back to the grind.

This is when I’ll attempt to finish any work from the morning, before heading into the lab for any work I might have there. This gives me time to look over my checklist again, as well as put on any PPE I might need. This past week I had two different lab tests to perform, both on new products we hope to roll out after testing. I was working alongside both people in the product engineering department as well as R&D and I loved the experience of working with different departments. If my tests involve anything strenuous, I make sure to take plenty of breaks and have water nearby, especially on hot summer days!

4:00 pm: Wrapping up.

This is when I’ll take my last look at my checklist, check off anything complete, make notes on ongoing projects, and prepare for the next day. I’ll send out any last remaining emails or questions and begin collecting my things and cleaning up my workspace. Most people in the office or out on the floor have already left for the day, so this time is mostly for me to collect my thoughts and wrap up what I was working on.

4:30 pm: Heading home!

After packing up, I head out and try to avoid the afternoon rush. I always take home my laptop and notepad just in case I need to finish anything up at home, but I try to keep a healthy balance between work and life.

Closing thoughts:

Working at Fives has been such a unique experience, with a diverse set of projects I’ve been a part of giving me an in-depth view into the engineering process. I love being able to use the skills I’ve learned, as well as learn completely new ones. Being able to work with different departments has helped me gain insight into projects from beginning to end and has helped me get an idea on where I want to end up after college.