This co-op creates a direct connection between my education and my career goals. It provides an opportunity to work with one of the most respected airlines in the industry while gaining experience that supports my interests in flying, managing, and maintaining aircraft.
Many workers spend their entire careers seeking a dream employer. Dillon McCarthy, ’28, is realizing that opportunity while he is still in college.
In the fall, Dillon will begin a co-op at Delta Air Lines’ Atlanta headquarters, where he will help ensure flight simulators remain reliable for pilot training by coordinating their maintenance and compliance with FAA qualifications.
“This co-op creates a direct connection between my education and my career goals,” said Dillon, an aviation science major with concentrations in flight and management. “It provides an opportunity to work with one of the most respected airlines in the industry while gaining experience that supports my interests in flying, managing, and maintaining aircraft.”
Dillon is one of about a dozen juniors and seniors participating in a pilot program that offers co-op opportunities through Bridgewater State University. Co-ops are full-time work opportunities that offer more intensive experiences than internships, which are typically part-time.
“A co-op gives our students practical, real experience in their field,” said Diane Bell, vice president of outreach and engagement. “Students can answer that question, ‘What experience do you have?’”
Rylee Andrews, ’27, who is helping run Massachusetts Sen. Dylan Fernandes’ social media channels through a summertime co-op, appreciates the professional growth.
Rylee, who interned for the senator last summer, has more duties this year. She is growing her network and gaining a stronger understanding of the responsibilities of communications work.
“It’s an absolutely amazing opportunity,” the public relations major and marketing minor said. “To be part of the pilot year is such a big deal. I hope more students realize all of the opportunities we have.”
To support the pilot program, the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education awarded BSU $20,000, which the university is using to make its co-op program distinctive. BSU students will earn academic credit, be guided by faculty mentors and a career advisor, and receive funding to buy professional clothing or otherwise ease the transition into a co-op.
“Typically, a student has no connection to faculty and is pretty disconnected to the university (while on a co-op),” Bell said. “We want our students to stay connected to BSU.”
Corey Taverna, ’27, is working this summer with Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, where he will serve on the run crew for the organization’s outdoor performances on Boston Common. Run crew members are backstage technical workers who handle props, lighting, and a host of other tasks that ensure each performance goes smoothly.
“I’m going to already have some professional experience under my belt and be ready to move forward (in my career),” they said.
Corey, a theater arts major and music minor, credited Miranda Giurleo, an associate professor of theater, with encouraging him to pursue a co-op. Dillon praised the mentorship of Michael Welch, an associate professor of aviation science and former Delta employee.
“Hearing about his experiences with the company, the professional relationships he built, and seeing how much he genuinely cares about his students’ success gave me the confidence to pursue the co-op,” Dillon said. “His guidance played a significant role in helping me believe this opportunity was within reach.”
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