Co-op student fits the bill

November 21, 2006

The timing couldn’t have been better for Miami Hamilton senior Kerry Willet. She will be ready for the working world when she graduates with a degree in Engineering Technology.

A co-op student with Procter & Gamble, Willet works part-time in process design for P&G’s Engineering Department, focusing on fluid technology, fabric/homecare and laundry detergents.

Willet is thankful for Miami Hamilton’s Co-op/Internship & Placement Services Department, which is directed by Dr. Shelly Cassady and supported by Linda Vogt, Master Senior Program Assistant.

“Shelly and I talked about co-oping during my junior year. P&G had contacted Miami Hamilton looking for co-ops. I was literally in her office one week and the very next week I was interviewing with P&G,” Willet said.

She worked full-time for the company last summer and now puts in about 23 hours a week during the school year. The entire experience has been priceless, including the interview process, Willet said.

“Even though I lacked some of the courses they wanted, P&G was looking for the person, someone who will work out of the box. Just the interview process was an incredible learning experience. Clearly, they were looking for someone who can work well with others in a diverse setting, and for someone who is trainable,” Willet said.

“P&G recruits for positions they’re looking to fill in the near future. Of the 1,500 co-op students they recruited last year, only five were from the Cincinnati area. They recruit from everywhere,” she said.

Willet has some advice for Miami Hamilton’s upper class students: Get out there and interview.

“I recommend interviewing with large companies. That experience alone is priceless. The competition is stiff for good jobs, and waiting until you graduate is not a good plan. Get out there and get started during your junior year.”

Willet credits Cassady and Vogt for probing companies for available positions.

“They’re experienced. They know what companies are out there and what those companies need. If you’re interested in something, they’ll fish for you,” she said.

 “In the real world, you need to get out in front of people, make presentations and influence people. Shelly and Linda are good at matching the strengths of a student with the needs of a company. They’re good a finding a broad range of jobs for a diverse group of students.”