- Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Graduation Year: May 2022
- E-mail: edrum@vols.utk.edu
Profile
I completed three co-op rotations with Georgia Power Company in Distribution Engineering. I was located in Canton, Georgia, for all of my rotations. Georgia Power Company, which is part of Southern Company, is the largest electric utility in Georgia, serving 2.4 million customers. In Distribution Engineering, I was responsible for designing how power would be delivered to new buildings. This included residential, commercial, and industrial projects. I also worked on overall system improvement projects and participated in storm outage restoration. I worked during hurricane season as well, so I would able to travel to Savannah, Georgia, to assist with restoration after Hurricane Dorian. Project management was a key part of this position because I managed anywhere from 20-30 different projects at one time.
I decided to co-op because I wanted more hands on experience. I had not had a chance to much field experience with my previous positions. My co-op with Georgia Power gave me exactly the kind of hands on experience I was looking for. At the end of every rotations, co-ops are expected to give presentations about their co-op experience. I have always disliked public speaking. Being able to present in front of a large group of managers and supervisors, and also being successful at it was a huge accomplishment for me. My presentations improved with every rotation, and my dislike of public speaking decreased as well.
Participating in a co-op has allowed me to gain professional experience that I couldn't have gained in the classroom. I have also built a network of people that will help me in my career. I have also gotten better at managing many responsibilities at one time as a result of my co-op. Once you are working in your co-op, you will forget all of the hesitations that you have about participating in a co-op. Graduating later really isn't that big of a deal, and you also graduate with a large amount of work experience. Deciding to co-op was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
When I am not at work or in school, I love to hang out with my friends and also see my family, who live in Knoxville. In the fall, I love supporting the Vols at Saturday football games.
