The document discusses the benefits of Drexel University's cooperative education (co-op) program from the perspective of engineering alumni. It contains several positive reviews highlighting how the co-op program provided valuable real-world work experience that helped graduates land jobs and gain professional skills. Specifically, the co-ops allowed students to explore different workplaces and industries, build up their resumes over multiple revisions, and make industry connections that aided in finding full-time work. The hands-on learning and fast-paced school environment were said to better prepare students for careers in engineering compared to other universities.

1. The Drexel engineering
program afforded me
numerous opportunities
(and provided them with
greater ease) than if I had
attended another university. The
co-op program let me investigate
variousdifferentworkplaces,corporate
structures, and employer ideologies.
I believe this exposure to a variety of
employers and…different work experiences
helped me land a career that I truly enjoy. The
fast-paced schooling environment prepares
students for the “real world” of engineering that
not many other schools can boast.
“The co-op program helped
me more than anything else.”
The co-op offered at Drexel
is invaluable. Professional
connections made during
my last co-op were a huge
part of my getting hired,
and I feel as though the
other recently hired Drexel
graduates and I have a
leg up on our younger co-
workers from Penn State,
Temple, etc. Drexel is the
best Engineering school in
the region, for sure.
“Drexel provided me with the
opportunitytolearnfromsome
of the most brilliant minds in
the engineering community.
Not only did they teach me
the requisite material, but also
fostered a love of engineering
that I continue to nurture to
this day. My Drexel education
inspired me so much that I
felt absolutely compelled to
return to Drexel’s College of
Engineering for my graduate
studies.”
“I am very thankful for my
BS/MS degree…from Drexel.”
“By far the most significant benefit of my going to Drexel was the co-op
program. I began developing my resume during my first year of college
and after three co-ops…revised my resume over three times. By this time,
my high school friends who went elsewhere were just putting together the
first drafts of their resumes. Each revision made my resume stronger and
more professional. Each round of co-ops also brought the opportunity to
refine my interviewing skills…I secured a full time position from my third
interview out of college. After three months I interviewed internally for a
promotion and got it! I owe so much of my success to the co-op program
and the learning opportunities that came along with it.”
R E F L E C T I O N S
“Based on my three co-op terms with PECO (Philadelphia
Electric)whileatDrexel,Iwasabletodeveloptheskillsnecessary
to secure employment at a comparable utility…during the last
few months of my senior year... I graduated on a Friday, and
started work on Monday — it was truly incredible. After taking
the Fundamentals of Engineer (FE) exam in October 2013, I
learned to appreciate my Drexel education and experience
even more. The CoE curriculum is accredited — something I did
not appreciate until taking the FE exam. The test was like a walk
down memory lane, starting with my earliest coursework and
finishing with advanced problems I learned and practiced my
senior year. Some of my fellow test-takers were not as lucky.”
“The co-op program separates Drexel from its competition.
I always thought that I would work for a co-op employer,
but the interview skills and job experience helped me get a
job outside of the Philly area. The fast pace of the quarter
system helps you prepare for the meeting deadlines of the
real world.”
drexel.edu/engineering • 215.895.2210
Six months after their graduation, we asked our newest alumni to reflect upon their experiences
while at Drexel’s College of Engineering. Here are some of their comments.
“Drexel is a fast-paced environment where you learn in real time with great
professors…[There is also] great diversity in its student population—
something that you will experience in the real world. Working with your peers
at this early stage will only help in your professional life!”
from our College of Engineering Graduating Class