Nathan Weis, a student from the University of Cincinnati's College of Engineering and Applied Science, is deeply immersed in a cooperative education program that breaks the traditional mold of learning. Attracted to the practical aspects of engineering, Weis has found his niche working his third co-op rotation at Cold Jet, a company specializing in innovative, environmentally conscious cleaning equipment that employs dry ice blasting technology.
According to an article published by the University of Cincinnati, Weis, who originally pursued an interest in engineering technology to "get [his] hands dirty," now thrives on the complex challenges presented to him by Cold Jet. Leaning into the manufacturing and design aspects that first sparked his engineering passion in high school, Weis exemplifies the kind of hands-on learning the co-op program is designed to cultivate.
The University of Cincinnati's report underscores the value of these co-op experiences, noting that students who participate in the program typically have a significant competitive edge in the job market. Dave Burbrink, a UC alumnus and the supervisor of Cold Jet's co-op program, is a testament to the program's long-term benefits, having continued relationships from his cooperative learning days. "There's just no comparison between a student who has five or six semesters of co-op and another who does not," Burbrink told the University of Cincinnati.
Burbrink, now the global design and technical director at Cold Jet, leads a design team spread across three international facilities. With a history at the company starting from his days as a co-op student, Burbrink places emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of Cold Jet's products while his team of engineers is often preoccupied with function, saying, "Does it have to be painted black? Does it have to be a square box? That’s my role at Cold Jet, to give the equipment some aesthetic appeal that gives us an advantage over the competition," according to the University of Cincinnati's article.
These co-op opportunities not only provide valuable professional connections and experiences but also account for a significant portion of student earnings. UC students raked in $88 million last year through full-time, part-time, and project-based co-ops and internships, reflecting the substantial impact the co-op program has on both educational and financial fronts for its participants.
