International co-op and studies enrich computer science student’s experience

Like many others, I was attracted to UC because of the co-op program. Graduating with a year and half of professional work experience was an opportunity I didn't want to pass up, and the thought of seeing snow was pretty exciting. I didn't know anyone in Cincinnati at the time, but everyone was so welcoming that it didn't matter!

I have done four different co-ops. My first was as a business intelligence intern at David J Joseph Company. I was responsible for creating and fixing data reports for decision makers. I also supported the team through their biggest project of the year: a data warehouse migration. I stayed at the same company for my second co-op but moved teams. I worked as an application developer intern for a semester and I collaborate with 10 other developers to add features and fix bugs in web applications. 

My next co-op was a little different — doing research for Dr. Nan Niu, associate professor of computer science. I investigated the automation of detecting vulnerabilities, or "security holes," in web applications. I also had the opportunity to work with two Cincinnati Public School teachers for my research. 

My final co-op rotations were at Mitsubishi Fuso in Japan, where I was an intern for the Human Machine Interaction team. I worked on multiple projects, starting with market research on HMI in competitors’ vehicles, and ending with a user research study on the digital interface of a Tesla. 

My favorite part about co-op is that I got to experience so many areas within my field. I now have work experience with data, development, research and R&D in a huge company. The biggest highlight was the chance to work with a global team in Japan for six months, while immersing myself in a new culture. By doing so many different co-ops, I have been able to narrow down a specific field that I want to work in post-graduation. 

My five years here have been packed with experiences, so I'll just give my top three.

Spending a year abroad during my program: I spent one semester in Hong Kong as a study abroad, and then went to Japan for two semesters. The one year I spent abroad really helped me understand myself better and discover what my dream job is. (It involves traveling!)

Looking back at the last five years, I am really proud of how I have stood up for myself to get the opportunities I wanted. Being an international student is hard for so many reasons, and engineering is not easy either. Despite the barriers, I was able to go after unique experiences like study abroad, co-op abroad, clubs and more because I was passionate about making my degree more than a degree.

No matter which field you go into, remember that staff and faculty at UC are there to support you and your goals. But they won't know how to support you unless you ask them. Ask questions (even the ones that involve deadline extensions!), don't assume answers — it'll take you a long way.

Featured image at top: On co-op in Japan, computer science student Tosha Bapat poses in front of the office of her employer, Mitsubishi Fuso, by their flagship electric truck. Photo/provided.