We recently had the pleasure of interviewing Joel Thomas, a third-year data science major at Drexel’s College of Computing & Informatics (CCI). Despite initial doubts about securing a co-op due to a lack of previous work experience, Joel’s journey culminated in a highly successful co-op at PECO. He not only completed his co-op but also emerged as the Top Presenter at PECO’s Co-Op Day event.
In our Q&A, Joel shares his inspiring story of perseverance, growth, and success, offering valuable insights into the co-op experience, the challenges faced, the triumphs achieved along the way, and the advice he offers to future co-op students. Join us as we follow his journey from a novice candidate to an award-winning co-op presenter.
1. Describe your co-op role. What was your position and which team did you work with?
I was part of PECO’s DelChester New Business team, which handles customer service requests in two counties. I worked on various assignments which at first, seemed to have little connection to my major, data science.
2. You mentioned that you were worried about securing a co-op due to a lack of experience. What strategies did you use to enhance your resume and make yourself a more competitive candidate for co-op positions?
I updated my resume with feedback from peers and utilized Drexel Steinbright’s career resources for students. I also accepted a research assistant position with a Drexel CCI professor. While it didn’t go as planned, the experience highlighted the importance of preparation and adaptability for achieving career goals.
3. Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your co-op interviews?
I was too focused on trying to fit the expectations of hiring managers instead of showcasing my true personality. Feeling stressed and lacking confidence, I ended up presenting myself in a way I thought interviewers wanted, rather than being authentic.
However, my final interview with my mentor was different. He emphasized getting to know me as a person, which allowed me to have a genuine conversation and present my skills naturally.
For my second co-op, I applied the same approach and found I could connect better with interviewers, making the process more enjoyable and authentic.
4. While working for PECO, you developed a tool for them called the Delchester Operations Management Dashboard. Can you walk us through the process of identifying the problem in your department at PECO and how you decided on creating the tool as a solution?
My manager pointed out that we lacked an efficient system for tracking job completion and managing how New Business tasks are distributed across different work areas.
Using information learned from one of my CCI data science courses, I proposed creating an interactive dashboard, using PECO’s existing software to pull data, though I initially didn’t know how to build it.
My mentor supported my idea and introduced me to PECO’s data analytics team. They guided me on using the software. Through guidance, self-study, and trial and error, I successfully built the dashboard. This tool will help New Business teams allocate resources and capital more efficiently, improving their workflow.
5. Can you share your experience presenting your project at PECO’s Co-Op Day event and winning the award for Top Presenter?
The experience was unforgettable. Despite being my first time presenting to such a large crowd, I was surprisingly calm. I had shared concerns with my mentor about not expecting to win any awards, but he reassured me, emphasizing how impactful my project had been for our team.
I was thrilled to win one of the three Co-Op Day awards. My six months with the New Business team transformed me, both personally and professionally. Thanks to PECO, I discovered my potential.
6. How has this co-op experience and the award impacted your career aspirations and confidence as a data science student?
My co-op at PECO has been pivotal in my data science career. I turned a role with minimal relevance to my major into a meaningful experience by designing and implementing an important project. This opportunity underscored the value of continuous learning, boosted my confidence and demonstrated my abilities in diverse situations. I actively sought new challenges and knowledge, asking questions and engaging with my team.
My goal is to pursue co-ops in different industries to gain a broad understanding of data science applications and refine my career path.
7. What advice would you give to other students who are preparing for their first co-op interviews, especially those who might feel they lack experience?
Maintaining a growth mindset is essential. Engage in activities like summer or on-campus jobs to gain valuable experience and develop soft skills, even if they’re not directly related to your major. Restructure your resume to highlight your skills and tell a compelling story, which you can expand on during interviews.
If you feel you lack experience, focusing on projects can be highly beneficial. In CCI, prioritize your freshman design project or other significant class projects. These projects showcase your ability to apply course knowledge and offer a platform to discuss your problem-solving approach and skills.
During interviews, be genuine and let your personality shine. Employers value both technical skills and how well you fit their team. Highlight who you are beyond your resume, and remember, a growth mindset will open endless opportunities.