What is Cooperative Education (Co-Op)?

This year, I decided to get a job. I wanted an easy and reliable job where I could make good money to take care of myself as a high school student. This is where the cooperative education (Co-Op) at Dauphin County Technical School (DCTech) comes in handy; they help students get a job, so their future is secure. I talked to my instructor and the Co-Op teacher, Ms Scheidler, about working at PennDOT as a video editor. 

Interview at PennDOT

I know a few people who work at PennDOT, and I asked them for help to get the job. After talking to my cousin, she told me that she can discuss me with her manager. Afterwards, her manager wanted me to send my resume. Afterwards, she asked me to edit a video to see how I do when it comes to editing. I edited a video on Premiere Pro. It was my first time using Premiere Pro, so I had to watch a lot of videos. This was part of my co-op experience; I had to apply what I knew to the real world.

Then, she saw my resume and decided to interview me; it was my first interview ever. I was very nervous and also excited. Then came the interview day, I went to the Keystone building and met the manager, and went to the room for the interview. I met a few people I knew from DCTech who work there, and I talked to them. 

After that, it was time for the interview. They asked me a couple of questions related to the work I have done in the past, and then asked me about my work experience. I did not have any sort of work experience, but I did know how to work with people and how to edit photos. I answered the questions honestly and hoped to be hired. Then few days later, I talked to Ms Scheidler and she told me that PennDOT did not hire me. I was very upset because I wanted a job where I could edit videos and take photos for the company. However, Ms Scheidler did have another job at Ace Handyman.  

Interview at Ace Handyman Services

After getting rejected from PennDOT, I decided to go with Ace Handyman for my co-op placement. My friend Layla was already working there, and I was going to replace her. Ms Scheidler set up an interview with the owner there, and I had an interview coming up. I was not really nervous for this interview because I had learned some things from the previous one at PennDOT. I had practiced a bit and watched some videos on YouTube about how I should answer the questions during an interview.

Then, I went for the interview, and this time Ms Scheidler dropped me off at Ace, and then I went inside, and Erin Woods (Owner of Ace Handyman Services Harrisburg) interviewed me, and the questions were similar to the ones from the interview at PennDOT. This time, I answered a bit more professionally and talked slowly and clearly.

The interview was over, and Erin seemed pretty happy, and it sounded like I got the job. I waited a couple of days but did not get any response from her, so I decided to email. She replied, saying I can start after a few weeks, and then I started working at Ace Handyman in July. This journey taught me a lot. I learned how to talk during an interview and what type of questions I should be prepared to answer. I also learned the importance of talking slowly and clearly in order for the interviewer to understand.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you are looking for a job and get rejected, do not be stressed and try to look for better opportunities. I am enjoying my time at Ace Handyman. I am learning and looking forward to even more experiences and opportunities. 

My previous blog: FBLA Experience 2025