My co-op experience has been very positive and has introduced me to a completely new line of work. While water treatment wasn’t a direct focus of my formal education, I’ve been able to transfer and apply many of my existing skills to various aspects of the job, which I believe will serve me well in any future role.

What is the most valuable takeaway from this co-op experience?

The most valuable takeaway has been discovering the breadth of opportunities within the water industry, which I didn’t even know was available to me. I am truly grateful for this experience and the direction it has given me.

Which operational experience gave you the best understanding of how water and wastewater services impact communities?

The best learning opportunities often arise when things don’t go as planned. Witnessing the ripple effects of an outage gave me a firsthand understanding of just how essential a water treatment facility is to the community I serve. Monitoring these systems is vital not only for providing clean drinking water but also for supporting emergency and firefighting services.