Engineering the Future: The Impact of Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Co-op Program
The Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Co-op Program offers students a valuable opportunity to gain industry experience and build lasting connections. Typically spanning three rotations over a two-year period, the program allows students to explore various projects and tasks, helping them learn to navigate the corporate environment and identify their strengths and interests.
As the program’s summer session comes to an end, these developing engineers have not only sharpened their technical skills but have also immersed themselves in Hargrove’s collaborative and supportive culture. In this follow-up to our previous blog, “Engineering Success: Inside Hargrove’s Transformative C&A Co-op Program,” our co-ops reflect on the experiences of their summer rotation.
Student Perspectives
Mara Day: Becoming a Leader
Mara Day has been with Hargrove Controls & Automation since May 2023 and will be continuing to work remotely as she returns to The University of Alabama to complete her mechanical engineering degree. During her four-term co-op, Mara contributed to PLC, DCS, and web design projects, as well as joining co-op and intern recruitment efforts.
One of her favorite experiences at C&A was getting involved with the high school internship program. Mara took on the role of mentor for two students, helping them lead and execute a project for the Mobile Exploreum Science Center. “I remember a lot of the questions I had when I started, so I was really excited to pass on what I’d learned,” Mara said. “I’d never worked with a DirectLogic PLC before, but we talked about general PLC and network configuration, and then I’d check in every day to help guide them through the project.” At the same time, Mara worked on a Mod5 to Experion LX conversion, creating graphics and organizing the original text-based code into control modules and associated parameters.
Since her first day as a co-op, Mara’s goal has been to build the skills and knowledge necessary to become a well-rounded engineer. As she advanced, she took on bigger challenges that allowed her more creative freedom. “I loved being able to take an idea and run with it,” she said. “If you had told me two years ago that I’d be presenting my design documents to clients, or sending my work to the Rockwell Automation Fair, I would’ve said ‘What’s Rockwell?’” As an enthusiastic advocate for the co-op program, Mara recommends it for any student looking to build industry experience.
Ryan Hartung: Building on Experience
Ryan Hartung completed his second rotation with Hargrove Controls & Automation, and this time, he especially appreciated being able to focus on a single project. In his first rotation, Ryan was exposed to a variety of projects to develop the necessary skills and was eager to apply those skills to use this summer.
Assigned to the same project as Mara, Ryan worked on a Mod5 to Honeywell Experion migration. His role primarily involved bulk building, transferring old code into the new system, and tracking DC variables. “This is my second time at Hargrove, and I’ve been focused on one project, doing it the entire summer,” Ryan explained. “I learned a lot by working on the graphics and some of the bulk building, transferring the old code into the Experion into the new stuff. After that, I was figuring out how all the different code goes together.”
This focused experience allowed Ryan to grow as both a student and an engineer. Reflecting on his time in the co-op program, Ryan shared, “I would encourage everyone to complete an internship. I think this program was extremely helpful because everyone is super nice to you and will help onboard you. Even if you don’t have a background in it, I think it’s useful and really applicable work experience and just getting to know people, networking, and being in a professional career. This was my first real work experience anywhere and it taught me etiquette and how people communicate.”
Looking ahead, Ryan is now preparing to pursue graduate studies at Notre Dame, where he will work towards a degree in computer science.
Noah Rosser: Problem-Solving in the Real World
Noah Rosser, an electrical engineering senior at Auburn University, found his favorite project during his rotation at Hargrove in converting an early 2000s ABB system to PlantPAx®. He is pleased that he feels more comfortable working with Rockwell Automation products and seeing his programming skills grow.
“It was fun reading this old logic and trying to figure out what everything did. It is never a one-to-one process when you’re converting the two environments. You have to learn a lot and know both of those systems well.”
The problem-solving aspect of this project was particularly enjoyable for Noah, allowing him to apply programming in a real-world context rather than just learning coding languages in a classroom setting. “I enjoyed this rotation a lot more than the last rotation because I knew what was going on. The most enjoyable part was using the skills I learned from the last rotation and building on those skills.”
Noah is returning to Auburn University this fall to complete his senior year in electrical engineering, now well-prepared for his upcoming senior project thanks to his experience at Hargrove. He did note that while he’s eager to complete his senior project, he will miss the ability to do more with a real-world project and budget.
Preparing for Future Careers
Noah highly recommends the Hargrove Controls & Automation Co-op Program, stating, “You learn so much about working in an engineering environment, whether you choose this industry or not. It teaches you so many soft skills and good technical skills. It’s a helpful program for upcoming engineers.”
As students progress through their rotations, they become more comfortable with both the company culture at Hargrove and the technical material they work with. Ryan noticed that over time, he was given more freedom and responsibility. “During the first rotation, they’re getting to know you and you’re getting to know them. For the second one, they knew I was doing well and so they could give me harder tasks and they knew I could complete them.”
The co-op program at Hargrove equips students with skills that are not only valuable within the organization but also crucial for their future careers. Participants gain familiarity with corporate life, making them more well-rounded candidates for future job opportunities. Reflecting on his experience, Noah added, “I feel like it’s very attractive [to employers] if you’re already used to how company scheduling works and understand how projects usually go. Hargrove teaches you how to work with teams in the real world. I did feel like it has prepared me well for any career in the future.”
One Team: Reflecting on Hargrove Controls & Automation’s Culture
During their rotations, co-op students become integral members of the Hargrove Controls & Automation Team. They build lasting relationships with their coworkers and receive strong support as they integrate into the company. Ryan appreciated the collaborative environment, noting, “Every single person I’ve worked with, I’ve enjoyed working with. Everyone’s super helpful, it’s just been great all around.”
Mara highlighted how her coworkers made her feel at home, especially on her 21st birthday. “They made matching t-shirts and we all went out to celebrate!” Mara shared, reflecting on the strong sense of community at Hargrove. “Everyone’s a delight. I’m just very thankful.”
The Hargrove Controls & Automation Co-op Program has had a significant impact on the professional development of its participants. As these engineers move forward in their careers, they will carry with them the skills and knowledge gained through their experiences in the program.
