Co-op/Intern Program

Co-op Testimonials                            Tips for Career Fairs & Interviews                                Having Fun                              Housing Assistance for Co-ops/Interns

Co-op Testimonials

Name: Jose Arroyo
Position: Instrument Engineer Co-op
University: Marshalltown Community College & Iowa State University
Degree: AS Computer Science BS Computer Engineering

In my last year of high school I joined Emerson Process Management  and honestly I was not sure what to do after graduation.  Two years later, while in college, I returned to Emerson confident in the decision to study Computer Engineering.  My decision was vastly based on the excellent working experience and talented people I worked with at Emerson.  Currently, I am responsible for making sure that our innovative and world class Fisher AMS® ValveLink® software is shipped to our customers bug-free.  Although I do not program ValveLink® code, I am, nonetheless actively participating in the development by working with our engineers, customers, and other Emerson subsidiaries in Minnesota and in Texas.  We are working together to create test scenarios and test scripts that will make sure our product is of the highest quality.  The many skills and the invaluable experience I acquired while working at Emerson will, without doubt, prove extremely useful and beneficial not only in school, but also in other aspects of my personal life.

Name: Tom Bass
Position: Sales Engineer Co-op
University: Iowa State University
Degree: Mechanical Engineering

With a year of Emerson Process Management Co-op experience I am confident that Emerson has given me the tools I need to be successful in the future. At Emerson I was encouraged to use my creativity to solve hands-on manufacturing problems as well as communicate with suppliers, customers, and company representatives to create programs and documents that are used on a daily basis. The training and engineering experience I have gained with Emerson is something that is not taught in the engineering curriculum.

Name: Stephanie Berhow
Position: Instrument Engineering Co-op
University: Iowa State University
Degree: Computer Engineering

Name: Jon Richardson
Position: Manufacturing Engineering Co-op
University: Iowa State University
Degree: Agricultural Engineering - Power & Machinery

This is my third work term with Emerson Process Management.  My first term was spent in the Test & Evaluation group where I focused on valve performance testing.  The testing consisted of flow testing, wear testing, prototype development, and other tasks.  During my second term, I worked in the Engineered Products group.  While in this position, I worked on various new product design projects and had the opportunity to design parts that were installed into a power plant for field trial testing.  My current (third) term with Emerson has been spent working with the Manufacturing Engineering Department.  I have been working on several projects, with my primary project being focused on updating a database that housed all of the flanges used for hydrostatic testing of valves. I have benefited greatly from each of my work terms.  Working in different positions has given me the opportunity to apply the knowledge I have obtained through class work to many different situations. Working for Emerson Process Management has been a great experience has certainly helped me expand my engineering skills and knowledge.

Tips for Career Fairs and Interviews

How to Make the Most of Career Fairs

1. Take time before the career fair to find out which companies will be present

2. Have a game plan and focus on a few companies that interest you

3. Prepare a two- to three-line script for yourself

4. Tell the recruiter your name, your class year, and whether you’re interested in a full-time, co-op, or internship position

5. Don’t skirt the GPA issue

6. When you give a recruiter your resume ask what the next step in the process is

What to Expect from an On-Campus Interview

1. A typical campus interview with an Emerson Process Management representative will be 30 minutes

2. Please be prepared to present an updated resume and a copy of your unofficial transcript if you have it available

3. Please be sure to list your cumulative GPA on your resume 

4. We will respond to all candidates within two to three weeks following your campus interview.  If a manager is interested in your qualifications, you will receive a phone call inviting you for an on-site interview.

Interview Check-list

Before the Interview:

1.       Research the employer

2.       Practice for the interview

3.      Be prompt and prepared

During the Interview:

1.       Act professional

2.       Converse with the interviewer

3.       Be enthusiastic

After the Interview:

1.       Follow-up with the interviewer

2.       Review the interview process and your performance

3.       Evaluate if the job is right for you and you are a fit for the job

Interview Questions to Consider

Tell me a little about yourself.

Why are you interested in working for this company?

Why have you chosen this particular major/field?

What is your major strength/weakness?

Give me an example of a problem you encountered either in school or at work and explain how you solved it.

Where do you see yourself in three years?

Describe an experience in which you worked as part of a team.

What was the last book you read?

Do you have any questions for me?

Behavior Based Interviewing

Behavior based interviewing is one of the most common interviewing methods.  This method is based on the premise that an applicant’s past behavior will predict future behavior.  The questions that you are asked are designed to elicit detailed descriptions from you on how you handled yourself in certain situations.  You should be prepared to give detailed, but focused, descriptions of actual circumstances.  These are examples of the types of questions that may be asked in a behavior-based interview:

• What was the most complex assignment you have had? What was your role?

• By providing examples, demonstrate that you can adapt to a wide variety of people, situations, and/or environments.

• Tell me about a suggestion that you made to improve the way a process or procedure worked.  What was the result?

• Describe a creative or innovative idea that you produced which led to a significant contribution to the success of an activity or project.

Source: Job Choices published by the National Associates of Colleges and Employers

Having Fun During Your Co-op/Internship Experience   

Many actions have been put into place to help ensure that all Co-ops and Interns have a good time during their experience.  Follow this link to find out more about the Co-op Committee, Activities held, and the Co-op Newsletter.

Housing Assistance for Co-ops & Interns (Policy)