Dear Future Co-op Student

What I Wish I Knew Before I Started

Authors

  • Richard A Davis University of Minnesota Duluth, United States https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2109-7203
  • Steven Sternberg University of Minnesota Duluth, United States
  • Lorena Lane University of Minnesota Duluth, United States

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18260/2-1-370.660-139609

Keywords:

Advising, Advising, Industrial Relations, Career Advice, Mentoring

Abstract

This study analyzes reflective letters from chemical engineering co-op students who offer advice to future interns by adapting Brookfield’s reflective teaching exercise in a co-op course. Common themes include asking questions, setting goals, taking initiative, and building relationships. Students shared regrets that informed targeted improvements to co-op preparation, including SMART goal planning, workplace scenario training, and midterm reflections. We use these reflection letters to guide future students and enhance their experiential learning through more student-informed and responsive course activities.

Accessibility Summary:

In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.

Author Biographies

Richard A Davis, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States

Richard Davis is the Blehart Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He earned his doctorate in Chemical Engineering from UC Santa Barbara. His research and teaching focus on computational methods, separations, and the modeling and optimization of metallurgical processes for environmental management. He serves as the Executive Secretary of Omega Chi Epsilon, the national chemical engineering honor society. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2109-7203

Corresponding author: rdavis@d.umn.edu

Steven Sternberg, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States

Steven Sternberg is a Morse Distinguished University Teacher and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He teaches courses in air pollution control, environmental engineering, and experimental design. His research focuses on the bio-removal of metal contaminants, fuel cell development, and pollutant transport. His work encompasses environmental justice, education, and outreach. He developed a course and textbook on air pollution and earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University.

Lorena Lane, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States

Lorena Lane is the Internship and Strategic Partnership Coordinator for the University of Minnesota Duluth's Swenson College of Science and Engineering. She earned her MBA in Leadership and Change, and a BA in Psychology and Organizational Behavior from the College of St. Scholastica. She is committed to helping students become career-ready and expanding access to internships and co-ops through partnerships with industry and community organizations.

Cover for the Winter 2026 issue

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Published

2026-01-21

Issue

Vol. 60 No. 1 (2026): Winter 2026

Section

Manuscripts