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Kenneth McGrady
Kenneth McGrady

My name is Kenneth McGrady, and I'm a sophomore dual majoring in Computer Science and Mathematics. I’m originally from Wilbraham, MA, home of Friendly's Ice Cream.

As the events co-chair of the college's Association of Computing Machinery (ACM), I make sure all our events are well planned and executed. I also have two jobs. I tutor both of the freshmen computer science classes, and I am also a Microsoft Student Partner on campus. Whenever I have spare time, I love cooking, attending the Huskies hockey games, and getting lost in Boston. As of now, I am currently searching for my first co-op, which will begin this summer.

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February 5, 2008

The Co-op Search Begins

Hey Everyone! I was excited to be able to post about the Pats winning the Superbowl, and the Huskies winning the game against Harvard in the Beanpot, but things didn't go the way they were planned. Instead I will talk about my co-op search.

So I will be going out on co-op in mid summer until the end of December. As of Thursday, I have received access to search a database of job opportunities, in which Northeastern has special relations with. I can also apply outside of the database if I were to find someone to work with.

To prepare, I had to go through one class where I am taught how I should prepare my resume, handle interviews, etc. Then I go through a first formal interview where I dress up in my suit and go through a mock interview with my adviser. I fill out answers to common interview questions as well as begin working on which area I wish to work in. After I apply, I basically am in the real world and go through the job search process. I get interviewed and compete with other students in my field. I need to sell myself.

Different departments go through different requirements in the co-op process. Either way they make sure that you know how to look good on paper and in person to score that winning co-op.

I'll keep you guys posted on the results. Keep the questions and comments coming!

Comments

What businesses do you want to do your co-op with? What opportunities are available for someone majoring in computer science at Northeastern? An example list of opportunities from the job database you described would be much appreciated :) Also, have the computer science classes you have taken so far at Northeastern been enjoyable?

- Stirling

Personally, I don't know who to co-op with. I applied to some big name places and some lesser known places (which I would not like to reveal publicly). I chose areas in consulting, web programming, application programming, and more. I can tell you now we have a ton more co-op jobs than students so the choices are unbelievable. My computer science classes are awesome. Freshmen year is a different experience (especially to those who have programmed before), but an exciting one at that. The classes are designed to be very challenging to ensure you love what you are doing. After that upperclass classes go more in depth, so it's very interesting.

- Ken

hi
how do you deal with doing co-op in summer and having no vacations at all for 2 full years?

If I were at home, I'd be working a part time job at a place I don't care to work for. Co-op allows me to do more valuable work and get paid really well. Not too mention that Boston in the summer is amazing! I certainly do miss my friends at home, but I do have my friends here, and I am just as happy! Thanks for asking!

-Ken

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