There are several Advantages of Being a Samtec Co-Op, but at the heart of the Samtec Co-Op program, the main goal is to foster, nurture, and provide engaging, hands on experiences to potential future talent. The co-op program at Samtec is designed to be immersive and impactful, providing participants with exposure to real-world projects, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and a supportive environment conducive to learning and innovation.
On this continued co-op blog series, I recently sat down with Isaac Wills and Nickolas Greenfield, two unique mechanical engineering co-ops from Samtec New Albany and Samtec Colorado Springs.
Mechanical and New Product Perspective
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Could you please introduce yourself and tell us why you choose Samtec?
Isaac Wills – My name is Isaac Wills and I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Louisville. I have been a Mechanical Engineering co-op at Samtec for over a year and I chose Samtec due to its renowned reputation in the Southern Indiana area. Before I had started researching, I knew of Samtec, but I was not entirely sure what they did. I was blown away by the impact this giant company had on the industries of the world that also just happened to be in my home town. The impression that I got from the career fair and the overall attitude that Samtec took toward its co-op program drew me in.
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Nickolas Greenfield – My name is Nickolas Greenfield and I have been a New Product Development co-op at Samtec for three and half years. I am a student at the University of Colorado Springs (UUCS) pursuing a Mechanical Engineering major. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity fall into my lap. My mother did staffing for many years and as a result developed a relationship with the Samtec Colorado Springs location. I originally interviewed for a co-op position on the test team, but my degree path is for mechanical engineering. A position in tooling opened and I applied for that, and I have since been moved to the sustaining engineering team.
What does a typical day look like as a ME Co-Op at Samtec?
Isaac Wills – As an mechanical engineering co-op in new product tooling, my typical day involves 3D modeling in SolidWorks, making prints for parts or assemblies that I have made, submitting purchase orders for tools and equipment, attending and leading meetings, and learning how to better optimize my designs. I have had the opportunity to work on various project scales, everything from small, easy hand tool designs all the way up to larger automation machine update packages. No day of mine is the same and I am happy that I always go home each day knowing more and more than I did previously. This has just been my first rotation here at Samtec and there are many more in my future in other groups.
Nickolas Greenfield – I do a variety of different tasks on a daily basis. One of my favorite things about my job is that I am always doing different things and constantly learning. I perform many tasks including documentation, compliance qualification, data collection and analyzation, as well as process optimization.
What do you feel you are learning at Samtec?
Isaac Wills – The most important thing I am learning at Samtec is how to work and communicate as an engineer. Learning the ins and outs of how to be an engineer is something that only a work environment can teach you. The courses and labs at a university can only teach you about engineering, they can’t “tell you how to be” an engineer. My experience here at Samtec has had a positive impact on not only my dreams as a mechanical engineer, but has helped me to become a more observant and analytically driven person overall.
Nickolas Greenfield – I have learned many skills throughout my co-op experience. Starting as a co-op in the tooling department, I learned all the ins and out of tool design, tool qualification, drawing standards, Solidworks and other drafting software, as well as designing for machinability. Since joining the process and sustaining team I have learned many skills as well. I have mastered technical writing, learned many software systems, and picked up helpful skills in applications such as Excel or JMP. I have gained communication skills as well as leadership skills as a result of my employment at Samtec.
What advice would you give incoming co-op’s to Samtec?
Isaac Wills – Samtec has a lot of opportunities that are not explicitly mentioned. Meet as many people as you can and make relationships with them. I became good friends with a lot of people here outside my group and gained the ability to learn things that will help me in the long run as a Samtec employee and overall, as a mechanical engineer.
Nickolas Greenfield – Ask questions, do not be afraid be to wrong, and take ownership and pride in all successes and failures. Stay tenacious and eager to take on challenges. This is one of the best intern programs out there. Samtec wants to invest in its employees and puts the employee first over the program. There is a clear road map for success and Samtec will support you throughout the process.
A Look Into the Future
The mission of Samtec’s co-op program is part of its commitment to education and investment in young talent. Samtec’s recruiting team is gearing up for Fall 2024 career fairs coming to soon.
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