Name: Megan Cullen
Class: 2010
Major: Environmental Engineering
Current Co-Op: Army Corps of Engineers
Post Graduate Job Offer From: Army Corps of Engineers

Despite the tough job market today, there are still proven and successful methods to finding full time employment. One tried and true technique is the internship/co-op route. In addition to providing the student with real world experience, these positions can sometimes result in full time employment. Suffolk senior Megan Cullen is one example of this successful path from internship/co-op to an offer of full time employment.  Here is our interview with her.

1. What drew you to the field of environmental engineering?

I always wanted to do something that would positively affect the environment, but I wanted to do something more than Environmental Sciences. Math was something I had always been good at, so Environmental Engineering made sense for me. In addition, with the engineering program I would have a technical trade and be able to graduate with a skill that would lead to employment after graduation.

2. How did you select your current co-op?

My Co-op career counselor informed me of co-op opportunities at the Corps.  I was eager to gain real world experience relating to my major, so I sent in my resume, had an interview, and the rest is history.

3. How long have you been at the co-op?

I have had this position for two summers.

4. Had you had any prior experience in the field?

No, this was my first foray into the field.

5. What did your typical day look like?

I was lucky in the fact that I was given many opportunities to work on different projects and tasks so I didn't necessarily have a "typical day."   Most of the time I would go into the office and work on an assortment of projects assigned to me.  Due to the fact that I was brought on to work on one project or another, I was also given the invitation to sit-in on meetings and conferences about the project.  I found these meetings to be extremely rewarding, not only because I learned more about the present issues and topics encompassing the project, but I also felt included like a member of the team. Aside from office work, I was also to work in the field conducting ground water and surface water sampling.  I have mastered these skills, and have gained the confidence to successfully complete sampling events in the future.

6. What was a specific project that you worked on?

As I mentioned earlier, I have been able to work on various projects during my time at the Corps.  One of the most exciting projects was an Underground Storage Tank (UST) removal project.  It was my job to visit Formerly Used Defense Sites in the New England area and find the locations of previously used USTs.  To get an idea as to where these tanks were, I was able to look through old military maps and files.  Once I had an idea, I would go to the site with a metal detector and start the search.  As you can imagine, the site looks extremely different now than it did 50 or 60 years ago when it was under military control, so finding the USTs became an adventurous scavenger hunt. I enjoyed this project not only because of the adventurous aspect, but also the fact that this was solely my project.  I was the project manager who had to do the research, make the travel arrangements, finish the job, and create a report.

7. Has this co-op helped solidify what you want to do when you graduate?

The co-op helped solidify my choice of going into the field of Environmental Engineering. It gave me the experience to see what I could do with the degree. Environmental Engineering is a huge field, and the co-op allowed also me to direct my focus and narrow down what I want do. In addition it helped me to decide which direction I wanted to go in for both my senior project and for determining what I would get my Master's in. I have been offered a job in their two year rotating internship, and I am planning on taking it.