Engineering Success: Inside Hargrove’s Transformative C&A Co-op Program

The Hargrove Controls & Automation (C&A) Co-op Program integrates academic learning with real-world engineering applications, offering hands-on experience to its participants. It’s an opportunity for aspiring engineers to make a real impact in their community, learn about Hargrove’s company and team culture, and explore career opportunities.

A Launchpad for Engineering Careers

The program offers students three rotations, providing an immersive engineering experience that spans from office planning and design to hands-on work in a manufacturing facility. It introduces students to a broad range of projects across multiple industries such as pulp & paper, discrete manufacturing, specialty chemicals, and oil & gas. The diverse assignments range from designing operator graphics, to engaging in computer coding, to configuring system modules.

C&A Co-ops not only develop technical skills in multiple disciplines but also hone their soft skills, transforming into well-rounded engineering professionals, who often end up joining the Hargrove Team full-time after graduation!

Jody Poirier, Engineering Leader, took over leadership of the program in 2020. When asked about his involvement in the program, he stated “Being a part of the C&A Co-op Program has been an exciting journey for me. Seeing our co-ops develop into young engineers is satisfying to observe as they start their professional careers with us. Our co-ops are the future and I am proud to have had a small part in creating an environment for them to be part of our Team culture.”

Student Perspectives

Since its inception in 2015, the Hargrove C&A Co-op Program has facilitated the successful launch of over 20 engineering careers. Below are stories of four co-ops from our program.

Noah Rosser: Bridging Theory and Practice

Noah, a junior studying Electrical Engineering at Auburn University, came to Hargrove with a clear vision – to apply his passion for engineering in a tangible, impactful way. His journey into engineering was driven by a lifelong fascination with creating, problem-solving, and programming. “Once I got into engineering, I really didn’t think about anything else,” said Noah. “Since the age of 10, I’ve wanted to be an engineer– it’s what I’ve always wanted to be.”

What stood out to Noah was the opportunity to engage with advanced technology far beyond the reach of his classroom or personal projects. “The stuff I’m working with at Hargrove, like PLCs, isn’t something you can just buy online to work with like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi,” he stated, emphasizing the valuable hands-on experience he gained.

In addition to allowing him access to advanced technology, Noah was also impressed by the opportunity to participate in the full scope of a project lifecycle, from the initial planning and design phases to witnessing the client’s reaction to the final product. “Seeing your work pay off, especially towards the end when you get to see the client’s reaction, is incredibly rewarding,” Noah reflected. This holistic experience not only enriched his understanding of engineering but also solidified his place within the Hargrove team, making him feel like a vital member rather than just an observer.

Mara Day: Future Controls Engineer

Mara began her co-op journey with Hargrove Controls & Automation at a pivotal moment in her academic career. A Mechanical Engineering student with excellent grades but minimal industry exposure, Mara sought hands-on experience that could provide her with both practical skills and a more focused career direction. Intrigued by the diversity of controls, she immersed herself in an array of projects at Hargrove, purchasing hardware, learning OT networking and web development, and working with as many control systems as she could.

Mara loves that there’s always more to learn. Thus far, she’s gained experience with DeltaV, Experion, Siemens STEP 7, Rockwell’s PlantPAx and PLCs, and Mod5, and she’s excited to expand this list. With two more years of school to complete, Mara has begun choosing automation and database electives, even changing her minor from pre-law to robotics.

“The most valuable part of my co-op has been the relationships I’ve built,” Mara reflected. “I’ve learned so much by just asking Teammates what they’re working on! Everyone is so knowledgeable and excited to share.” Passionate about her experience at Hargrove, she’s been involved with interviewing future co-op and high-school intern candidates. Mara’s story illustrates the program’s ability to provide not just professional experience but also personal growth and career clarity.

Preston Holwager: Experiencing a Collaborative Culture

Preston’s journey through the Hargrove C&A Co-op Program was transformative, with projects he was involved with guiding him from mechanical to electrical. For him, Hargrove opened the door to an environment where he felt immediately welcomed and valued. Mentorship played a crucial role in Preston’s development, particularly his relationships with Teammates Shay Arnone and Chet Barton who mentored Preston during his first rotation. This guidance, coupled with the inclusive culture at Hargrove, empowered Preston to learn from more experienced engineers across the company. “Chet was always there if I ever had any questions, or he could send me to the right person. Even in my second rotation, I was always able to go ask him questions if I needed to.” Preston got to do a bit of mentoring himself, serving as a guide for newer co-ops, and helping to forge strong friendships inside the office and out.

Upon his return to classes, Preston felt he had a competitive edge over other students, with the ability to quickly grasp new software and logic in his digital design class. “It’s definitely set me up with hopes to work at Hargrove once I graduate!”

Ryan Hartung: From Theory to Application

Ryan sought a co-op experience that would bridge the gap between his academic studies in computational physics and practical engineering applications. Hargrove’s C&A Co-op Program, known for its team-oriented culture and hands-on projects, was the perfect fit. “What I kept hearing online about Hargrove was that their culture was very close knit and team oriented. That’s one of the main things that made me apply to the program,” said Ryan.

Ryan’s involvement in updating reactor software was a highlight of his co-op experience, exposing him to a range of technologies and challenging him to apply his theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. “Working at Hargrove really taught me how the study of the world actually applies to the industry,” he stated.

This exposure was not just about technical skills; it was also about becoming part of a team, contributing to meaningful projects, and learning the dynamics of professional communication and project management. He even felt that he became a better student after his time at Hargrove, gaining a deeper appreciation for time management and preparedness for classes.

Of Hargrove’s culture Ryan reflected, “It honestly felt like a family. Everyone was very close and eager to help each other.” He elaborated further, “I’m somewhat timid, so reaching out to people can be a challenge for me at times. Having an environment where everyone was willing to help really helped me come out of my shell.”

Become an Essential Contributor to Our Team

The personal stories of Noah, Mara, Preston, and Ryan highlight the multifaceted aspects of the Hargrove C&A Co-op Program: a nurturing company culture, a strong emphasis on mentorship, and a hands-on approach to engineering projects. At Hargrove, we’re committed to developing the technical skills of our co-op students and integrating them into our team as essential contributors to our projects.

To learn more about the Hargrove C&A Co-op Program and to explore our current co-op opportunities, visit our website.