Ariel Corporation

Applications Engineering Co-op

August - December 2022 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

Being from Mount Vernon, I have grown up around Ariel; I heard many positive things about it from friends and family, but I was unaware of the specifics. Now, actually being part of the Ariel community, I have personally experienced the positivity in action. At first, like every other job, it was nerve-wracking to be immersed into a new environment with new people; however, every single person, no matter the department, was friendly, welcoming, ready to give advice work related or not, and willing to go above and beyond to help you find the answer to the questions they did not know. In my department, I learned a greater quality of information than you can learn in just one semester at school and the projects I worked on were smaller, more beneficial to my learning than longer, "busy-work" projects. Ultimately, I enjoy feeling like I, a co-op, made a difference and knowing that my accomplishments will be used by co-ops and employees after I am gone.

What I wish was different

During my co-op experience, there were multiple slow days or weeks where no one had any projects for me to work, so I had to create some. This, of course, was not Ariel's fault, as in this industry the supply and demand is always fluctuating. However, having more things to do during times like these would have been nice. In addition, I had taken a school through the company that helped explain how to work the program my department uses. I would have found it more useful to take the school earlier in my term rather than in the middle so I could be more helpful to the others in the department early on.

Advice

It is important to not just do your job, but to show initiative. Find projects to do or make something up, as long as your supervisor approves it. Also, make friends with the other co-ops. It is a tradition to all get together one night of the week to get dinner. Keep it going! It is a great way to make connections and learn about the other departments.

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Tool Design Coop

January - August 2022 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

This company has an incredible workplace culture within it. There is always work to be done and the company values any and all work put forth. Your contributions are almost guaranteed to be recognized and utilized. The company wanted to hear my take and produce my ideas so that I could actively see my designs in the workplace. Everyone was willing to help in any way they could to help me learn the processes and utilize the resources at my disposal within the company.

What I wish was different

Communication within the company could be trying at times. Email and phone sometimes just did not cut it. However, if you needed to get in contact with someone, with a little effort, someone would be able to tell you where they were. The initial training for my specific department was also a little vague in some areas. I was able to pick up and learn what I needed to from others over time. I think a program specific to each department a student would work in could be beneficial.

Advice

Do not be afraid to ask questions. Everyone is more than willing to help you. Your contributions will reflect how hard you try. Push the boundaries of your comfort zone and the experience will be all the more rewarding. Do not rush your work. Ariel values quality over quantity and doing things right the first time.

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Mechanical engineering Co-op

August 2021 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

I could write an extensive list of things that I like about working for Ariel as my 2nd rotation comes to a close, but here are some highlights. The culture is fantastic. Everyone is so willing to help, and they will not hesitate to make time for you even if they are busy. The quality of craftsmanship is unmatched, and that made it much easier to enjoy work not only for me but for the majority of employees that I met as well. The cherry on top is how much I have learned.

What I wish was different

The main thing I wish had been different is that I did not see many projects to completion. I am not complaining about the projects. They will give you whole projects to do by yourself, and this makes for some fantastic real world experience. However, what they may or may not prepare you for, depending on department, is that you might not finish your projects. Keep in mind a co-op semester is only so long and its ok to let the next person pick up a project you didn't finish.

Advice

My biggest advice has to do with the housing and location. Ariel is in Mount Vernon Ohio, and its a pretty small town. I really like the small town atmosphere, but if you don't like that sort of thing here's my advice. They will provide you with housing in the form of a nice apartment alongside other co-ops. The best thing you can do is stick around town and get the other co-ops to do the same. Hang out with the other co-ops as much as you can (because they'll be living right next door) and your experience will be much better.

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Project and process intern

January - August 2018 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

All full time employees were helpful when I had questions. The atmosphere felt very welcoming, I always looked forward to going to work

What I wish was different

Advice

explore the local area on your off time it has some great hiking/biking trails

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R&D Engineer

January - August 2018 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

Interesting and unique job responsibilities. A fantastic company culture that promoted ongoing education.

What I wish was different

Advice

The company is located in a small town. Finding ways to spend your free time can be challenging at first.

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Maintenance Co-Op

May 2018 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

The friendliness of every employee I have met so far and their willingness to help you in any questions you have. It is a very relaxed place to work and full of great people.

What I wish was different

Advice

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Engineering co-op

May - August 2018 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

Private company, very close knit

What I wish was different

More hands on, I was in the design department

Advice

Work hard

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Manufacturing Engineering Co-Op

January - August 2017 • Mount Vernon, OH

What I liked

What I wish was different

Advice

Stay on top of your supervisors in terms of receiving work. Sometimes there just is not anything to give you but other times you can be given really interesting projects.

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