- Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering
- Company: Denso Manufacturing
- Graduation Year: Dec 2022
- E-mail: carze@vols.utk.edu
Profile
Johnson City, TN
I completed four rotations from June 2020 to August 2021 at DENSO Manufacturing in Maryville, Tennessee. I worked in final assembly as a production engineering co-op. My department was in charge of installing, improving and maintaining production lines to produce quality instrument clusters. My main project was to create and implement new vacuum pens to prevent any foreign material (i.e. dirt, hair, etc.) from creating a quality and safety issue for our customers.
When I first learned what a co-op was, I had zero interest in it. I always knew I wanted experience, but I wanted to do an internship so I wouldn’t have to delay my graduation. During freshman year, I spoke to a lot of older students to try to decide which type of engineering I wanted to do. I wasn’t asking about co-ops, but it seemed that the topic kept coming up. I noticed the people who had completed a co-op were much happier and had more confidence in their choice of major. They talked about how their co-ops not only gave them real-world experience, but also gave them a break from classes.
One of my greatest achievements at DENSO was my vacuum pen project. It was a project that had passed through 3 engineers for over a year. They tried to find a solution, but hadn’t been able to implement anything better than our current set-up. The project was then given to me. After testing multiple systems and revising with various suppliers and our controls group, I was able to create and implement a system that was over twice as effective as the current vacuum pens. I also designed a mount to streamline installation and issued a detailed document of the changes. It is now in the process of becoming a global best practice and will be sent to our headquarters in Japan for global rollout.
My co-op enabled me to experience the vast differences between work and school environments. I realized the importance of autonomy and self-teaching in being successful on the job. I enjoyed being able to take initiative and work with my boss to determine which projects were best suited for me, rather than being told exactly what to do. It became clear very quickly how important my coworkers would be in my success. I learned who and how to ask for help so I could best complete my job, while also supporting their projects. Going back to school now, I feel more engaged as I know how my classes apply in a real-world job and I am able to better relate to the material.
Looking back now, it’s hard to fully describe how a co-op has helped me. I remember how people encouraged me to do it, but I never really understood the impact until I took one myself. I was originally supposed to co-op for 6 months and ended up extending to 14. Whether you are interested or not, I would highly encourage you to go to the expo and the Professional Practice office as early as possible, if only to practice interviewing. Your graduation may be behind, but I promise you will come out much further ahead in the end.
I enjoy spending my free time outdoors, preferably near water, or at hot yoga. I like to read, especially anything by Malcolm Gladwell. I love to bake because it allows me to connect with other people through something I create. Also, I try to travel as much as possible because I love the way new cultures and experiences can open and strengthen your mind.
Pro Tip: Experience as much of college as you can! You will never be surrounded by as many people and connections as you are right now, so keep expanding your circle. The people you meet now could completely impact the course of your life, whether it be a recommendation for a job or someone to hold your flowers on your big day.
