http://www.cesoinc.com

CESO, Inc.

Civil Engineering Co-op

January - May 2023 • Miamisburg, OH

What I liked

This company had an excellent work environment with a strong emphasis on learning. I truly felt as though any questions I had or even could think of were prioritized. Everyone in the office is so kind and helpful. One-on-one's are a huge part of the company culture and my supervisor was amazing about it. We met bi-weekly and it was nice to hear his feedback and advice as well as getting the chance to talk about other specific engineering concepts that I had questions about. Additionally, getting to know the people around me on a more personal level, hearing about their hobbies, families, interests, etc. makes it so much easier to feel comfortable and a sense of belonging within this work environment. Another thing I appreciated most about this experience was the way I got to work as apart of a team. I was apart of the c-store/truck stop team and working primarily for specific clients really helped me to feel that I had a place where I was valued within the company. The work it's self was also very interesting. This was my first co-op term and I worked on primarily site design as well as getting to research and learn about different steps in the process.

What I wish was different

It's hard to think of many things I wish were different. I would love to have experienced a little more of the different sides of the company like surveying and construction. It certainly wasn't a perfect experience in every which way but I think that is more fault of my own than that of the company. Having a 9-5 type job and working in one spot all day was new to me and sometimes I found it difficult to keep focused and motivated at work. Obviously I want to put my best foot forward for the sake of my professional future, my schools reputation for future co-ops, and the fact that this company has been very good to me and I want to be my best to make things easier on my coworkers and represent them well. So I think overall balancing those thoughts and emotions was the most difficult aspect of the co-op experience, which I think I would have dealt with at any job.

Advice

One piece of advice I have is to keep a strong support system throughout co-oping. I think that being on campus with my roommates from last semester and all my friends helped to keep me from feeling lonely and gave me a greater sense of purpose in my day to day. Also keeping in touch with family regularly is so important because if you're going through your first co-op experience this is a whole new chapter in your life and trust me when I say you shouldn't have to navigate that alone. Also try to make friends at work. I was very lucky to have 2 other amazing co-ops from UC working at CESO at the same time as me. Additionally, I found that my supervisor was incredibly helpful to me in navigating this experience from a technical level but also teaching me all about how the professional world works and how to navigate it.
1 One person found this helpful

Engineering intern

May - August 2019 • Columbus, OH

What I liked

I enjoyed the people I worked with, the work environment was tremendous. Everyone was extremely helpful. It made the work I was doing really enjoyable and I looked forward to going to the office everyday.

What I wish was different

Advice

Great experience, I’m thankful that I was able to work with such great people. They reward you for your hard work. I look forward to working again with them full time.
1 One person found this helpful