Sophomore Year in Review 2013-2014.
Part I: What? So What?
Reflecting on my second year at the University of Cincinnati, I realized that I have learned a great deal this year; I learned about the petroleum industry during my first co-op rotation with Marathon Petroleum and I took several Mechanical Engineering classes during the spring semester. However, I believe that the soft skills I developed while on co-op will be most beneficial to me in my future. I held a Project Management co-op position in the Terminal Engineering department at Marathon’s Findlay corporate office. I was responsible for communicating with other project engineers, terminal staff and operators, and third-party contractors. Communicating with so many people so often – in person, over the phone, and through email – truly strengthened my self-confidence. I was forced out of my comfort zone and I am now much more comfortable seeking help from others to find answers and solve problems. My project management experience has also allowed me to realize the importance of developing relationships. Working with others is much easier and more enjoyable when those involved have developed a personal connection. Furthermore, it is important to be able to work with and get along with all different kinds of people – from different backgrounds, with different education levels, etc.
The communication skills and relationship-building skills that I developed this year will continue to help me as I advance in life. As I aim for leadership positions within my sorority, these skills will be very helpful and will allow me to make a positive impact on my chapter. I will be able to develop deeper, more meaningful connections with my sisters. As I continue to work additional co-op rotations with Marathon, I will use these skills as well as strengthen them further.
During my second advising session, I set a goal to maintain a high GPA during the spring semester. I noted that the following actions would help me reach this goal: attending class every day, studying every week, and developing relationships with professors and seeking help when necessary. I was able to fulfill my goal and maintain a 4.0 GPA. I tried to review my notes every day and complete some practice problems each week, rather than waiting to cram the week before exams. Seeing professors for help proactively was also extremely helpful. I attended office hours for my Dynamics and Statics course several times per week.
Part II: Now What?
My advice for myself for the upcoming school year is to continue to dedicate time to both my classes and my social life. During my freshmen year, I focused too heavily on school and missed out on spending time with friends. This year I was able to create a healthy balance between school and friends, and as a result I loved my second year at UC.
This year I became much more independent and self-confident. Much of this personal growth was a result of going to Findlay, Ohio for my first co-op rotation during the fall. Prior to the start of my co-op rotation, I was a little worried that I would be homesick and wouldn’t enjoy the semester. However, because I had a great experience and met a lot of great friends, I will now consider working additional co-op rotations out of town. Although prior to my co-op rotation I was fairly sure that I want to pursue a career in project management, I am now even more convinced. I really enjoyed working with other people to solve problems and find information. I hope to work in similar project management positions for my upcoming co-op rotations.
Reflecting on my second year at the University of Cincinnati, I realized that I have learned a great deal this year; I learned about the petroleum industry during my first co-op rotation with Marathon Petroleum and I took several Mechanical Engineering classes during the spring semester. However, I believe that the soft skills I developed while on co-op will be most beneficial to me in my future. I held a Project Management co-op position in the Terminal Engineering department at Marathon’s Findlay corporate office. I was responsible for communicating with other project engineers, terminal staff and operators, and third-party contractors. Communicating with so many people so often – in person, over the phone, and through email – truly strengthened my self-confidence. I was forced out of my comfort zone and I am now much more comfortable seeking help from others to find answers and solve problems. My project management experience has also allowed me to realize the importance of developing relationships. Working with others is much easier and more enjoyable when those involved have developed a personal connection. Furthermore, it is important to be able to work with and get along with all different kinds of people – from different backgrounds, with different education levels, etc.
The communication skills and relationship-building skills that I developed this year will continue to help me as I advance in life. As I aim for leadership positions within my sorority, these skills will be very helpful and will allow me to make a positive impact on my chapter. I will be able to develop deeper, more meaningful connections with my sisters. As I continue to work additional co-op rotations with Marathon, I will use these skills as well as strengthen them further.
During my second advising session, I set a goal to maintain a high GPA during the spring semester. I noted that the following actions would help me reach this goal: attending class every day, studying every week, and developing relationships with professors and seeking help when necessary. I was able to fulfill my goal and maintain a 4.0 GPA. I tried to review my notes every day and complete some practice problems each week, rather than waiting to cram the week before exams. Seeing professors for help proactively was also extremely helpful. I attended office hours for my Dynamics and Statics course several times per week.
Part II: Now What?
My advice for myself for the upcoming school year is to continue to dedicate time to both my classes and my social life. During my freshmen year, I focused too heavily on school and missed out on spending time with friends. This year I was able to create a healthy balance between school and friends, and as a result I loved my second year at UC.
This year I became much more independent and self-confident. Much of this personal growth was a result of going to Findlay, Ohio for my first co-op rotation during the fall. Prior to the start of my co-op rotation, I was a little worried that I would be homesick and wouldn’t enjoy the semester. However, because I had a great experience and met a lot of great friends, I will now consider working additional co-op rotations out of town. Although prior to my co-op rotation I was fairly sure that I want to pursue a career in project management, I am now even more convinced. I really enjoyed working with other people to solve problems and find information. I hope to work in similar project management positions for my upcoming co-op rotations.