As I work my way through my final year, I thought it might be helpful to share some advice with other students, especially those on the lookout for internships. Internships can be incredibly valuable in preparing for a career, and one program I can’t recommend enough is MECOP (Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program) here in Oregon. It’s not just a regular internship program—MECOP connects students with two six-month internships at different companies, offering a deep, varied experience that you don’t typically get from shorter placements. Applications open in February, so if you’re a student in Oregon and you’ve been endlessly applying for internships with no luck, mark your calendar!
Through MECOP, I recently completed a six-month internship with Portland General Electric (PGE), where I gained hands-on experience in a technical environment, learning how to apply classroom knowledge in real-world scenarios. My next internship through MECOP will begin in June 2025, and while I don’t know the exact company yet, I’m excited to build on what I learned at PGE and gain fresh perspectives. The two internships MECOP provides give students exposure to different work environments and a firsthand look at how various organizations operate—valuable experiences that greatly benefit those starting their careers.
On top of the internships, MECOP also helps with professional development. They provide workshops, coaching, and resources to ensure students are well-prepared. Having gone through this process, I feel much more confident and prepared to take on new projects and responsibilities.
So if you’re looking for structured, impactful internship experiences, definitely look into MECOP. It’s been a game-changer for me, offering not just industry experience but the chance to build meaningful connections and skills that will last far beyond graduation.