Science Co-op Helps Prepare Student for Life After Graduation
Do you want to gain valuable experience while you’re still in college and make money at the same time? The answer seems like a no-brainer. Of course you do – who wouldn’t? To be competitive for graduate school, medical school, or a full time job, you need to set yourself apart from the large pool of applicants. A great way to achieve this is through securing a co-op. Laura Logeman is a senior Life Science major who is currently finishing up her final co-op with Walter Reed Army Institute of Research in Silver Spring, Maryland. For Logeman, experience has been a key factor in making future decisions.
“This is great now, and I really enjoyed it,” Logeman said. “It has helped me to decide what I want to do when I graduate.”
Logeman participated in a seven-month co-op with Walter Reed during her junior year at Penn State and was asked to come back in the fall for her final co-op rotation. Gaining this hands-on research experience not only helped her to become more competitive as a candidate for full time positions or graduate school, but also allowed her to discover what she wants to do with her life.
Logeman’s time at Walter Reed has consisted of a large amount of lab work from which she has learned a great deal.
“I work on running assays, and I also do a lot of animal experimentation,” Logeman said. “My favorite part is the animal surgeries. With a co-op you’re directly applying what you learned in biology class. By getting this “hands-on” experience, you’re finding out actually what it takes to get from point A to point B.”
Logeman said she will probably continue to do research but also plans on applying to Physical Therapy school. She is interested in either pediatrics or injury from trauma or stroke.
“I am very people oriented and love the clinical obligations of the medical field,” Logeman said. “If I’m selected for a scholarship, I’ll go to the Navy for PT school. When I was growing up, my mom was in the Navy, so I’m open to any area.”
Logeman is now on track to pursuing a future that has her interest and passion at the core. With the help of her co-op with Walter Reed and other career-related experiences such as an externship, she has discovered an appropriate path. Having added an extra semester to the end of her college career in order to co-op, she has some advice for those who are still in the midst of their college experiences: “You have the rest of your life to work, so don’t stress about finishing college in four years,” Logeman said. “Take advantage of all of the opportunities in Eberly College of Science; it made my experience as a Penn State student so much better.”
For more information on science co-ops, internships, externships, and study abroad opportunities, visit scienceengagement.psu.edu