It was great learning about the engineering process. More specifically, I enjoyed all of the testing that went into problems that arose during my time here. Each problem had a unique solution that we needed to identify, and sometimes that was frustrating, but figuring it out was rewarding.
What I wish was different
I would have like to work on a larger more mechanical motor, but the project that I was affiliated with was a more compact electrical device. Despite not working on a motor that I would have preferred, I got to learn a lot more about something I didn't know as much about. Specifically, the plastic molding process was something that I got to learn a lot about.
Advice
One piece of advice that I would give is to be patient when it comes to solving problems. It can be really easy to get locked into something you think is right and that may narrow your view. Taking a step back and looking at things from a distance can sometimes lead to quick and easy solutions that were right in front of you the whole time.
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Co-op
May - August 2022 • Dayton, OH
What I liked
This was my second term at Allied and I really enjoyed to higher variety of projects I got to work on, and the different stages of projects that I got to see. Seeing a product go from prototype to production was very rewarding and interesting. I really like the work environment here too, it is very friendly and it makes it very easy to learn and bounce back from mistakes. The work that they do is very good for a beginner co-op to jump into, as it contains elements of just about everything a mechanical/electrical engineer needs to learn to be successful.
What I wish was different
Most of the things that I wish had been different were under my control, but it would have helped me get to know as many people at the company as possible. Getting to see what they're working on, and how their process goes versus how your team's process goes would have been a great insight into how all sorts of different projects are similar and different. I also wish there had been a chance for me to talk about skills that I want to improve on to see if the work that I am doing can align with my interests. Since so much is done here you will more than likely be able to work on what you want to, but being asked for a bit more input would have been greatly appreciated
Advice
I cannot stress enough how important it is to ask questions. There is no shame in not knowing something; you aren't expected to come in as a college student with all the knowledge required to be a professional engineer. You have to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people even if you really don't want to because you are really limiting your ability to learn and have an impact by staying in your shell. Everyone here would appreciate it if you showed interest in learning as much as possible about the projects, engineering in general, and their lives and experiences in the field.
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Mechanical Engineering Technician Co-Op
August - November 2021 • Dayton, OH
What I liked
There were many aspects of Allied that I really liked but a few were the friendly coworkers, proximity to campus, and the wide variety of projects they are involved in. Everyone at Allied was willing and happy to lend a hand if I ever needed, they also made everything a learning experience that I could use in the real world.
What I wish was different
Honestly, there's nothing I wish would have been different. For my first co-op experience, it wasn't too hard, but I did feel challenged from time to time and if I ever needed help, I could ask anybody and they would point me in the right direction then let me figure the rest out for myself which I felt was more beneficial than having all my problems solved for me.
Advice
A piece of advice I would share is to learn as much as you can and get your hands dirty. I felt I learned more applicable skills in my co-op term than I have in any previous semester alone.
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Co-op
August - December 2021 • Dayton, OH
What I liked
Allied has a lot of opportunities to learn about the different areas of the Engineering field which I appreciated tremendously, as I was fairly uncertain in my career choice up until my time at Allied. Being able to do lots of different things and discover things you would never have thought about was extremely helpful. The size and location of the office are great as well, as I can still live on campus and commute to work, and you can get to know everyone in the office very well.
What I wish was different
Sadly for a good portion of my time at Allied, the main project I had been working on had ground to a halt due to supply chain issues and having to wait on materials. This is at no fault to the company, but I would have preferred to be busy during the time that was spent waiting for things to arrive.
Advice
Do not be afraid to mess up, especially if this is the first time that you are co-oping/working in the field. It happens to everyone, everywhere sooner or later, and making mistakes is the quickest way to learn. Failure is always an option!
