RRC’s Internship Program: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Engineers with MECOP 

In a pivotal collaboration with the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program (MECOP), RRC is rewriting the narrative on experiential learning for future engineers. Tim Chairet, RRC’s Member Representative and the program’s alumni, and Mike Kraft, Senior VP of Electrical Engineering at RRC, recently shared insights on the program’s transformative impact. 

The MECOP program’s unique partnership yields benefits across the board. Universities thrive on the success of their students, who, in turn, gain invaluable practical experience through two six-month paid internships, providing a significant edge in the competitive job market. Simultaneously, companies benefit by securing access to a pool of skilled and motivated workers. 

Chairet emphasized the program’s unique structure and benefits: “It’s a collaborative ecosystem that extends beyond traditional models, fostering a thriving community and alumni network. When I went through the program, I felt it gave me the right tools to be successful in the workforce.” 

The program, headquartered at Oregon State University, serves as a nexus for five universities and companies in the Pacific Northwest. Adapting to the challenges posed by the pandemic, MECOP responded by expanding remote opportunities and eliminating relocation hurdles for students. 

Kraft highlighted the program’s impact on students’ professional journey: “MECOP breaks the mold of traditional education, offering students a chance to gain a year of practical experience. This not only sets them apart in the job market but also helps them navigate diverse career paths within their field.” 

Students who decide to intern at RRC gain access to the company’s impressive bench of industry experts, creating a supportive ecosystem that encourages collaboration across different fields and degrees. The program’s modest yearly fee underscores its commitment to fostering talent. Chairet emphasized the broader impact: “MECOP isn’t just about individual gains; it’s about building the next generation of competent engineers who are motivated to make a positive impact. We’re not just providing opportunities; we’re shaping the future of the industry.” 

Interns enrolled in the MECOP program enjoy a host of advantages, ranging from breaking the monotony of traditional college experiences to gaining a year’s worth of industry exposure. At RRC, the interns benefit by being exposed to multiple engineering disciplines including substation, electrical, and transmission line engineering to name a few, all adding to their unique learning experience. 

Chairet summed up the essence of MECOP: “It’s not just a program; it’s a movement. MECOP equips students with the tools they need, exposing them to diverse disciplines within a company committed to renewable projects. These students aren’t just learning; they’re motivated to change the world for the better.” 

In an era where collaboration and innovation drive success, RRC’s MECOP program stands out as a beacon of transformative education, steering the trajectory of aspiring engineers toward a future marked by competence, motivation, and sustainable impact. 

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