Through its Office of Professional Practice, Purdue offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including its Cooperative Education Program. 

Purdue University’s Office of Professional Practice (OPP) is preparing to celebrate a significant milestone: the 70th anniversary of its Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program. This long-standing initiative, which provides students with hands-on professional experience, is set to gain even more recognition as Purdue rises two spots to No. 7 in the nation for co-ops and internships, according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Launched in 1954 with just eight mechanical engineering students and seven employers, Purdue’s Co-op Program has evolved into a cornerstone of experiential learning. Over the years, it expanded to include various engineering disciplines, starting with civil engineering in 1955 and later reaching fields such as agriculture, management and liberal arts. By its 25th anniversary in 1979, the program had engaged nearly 1,000 students and 400 employers. Initiatives like the Global Engineering Alliance for Research and Education (GEARE) program in 2003 and the introduction of a flexible three-session co-op in 2006 have further enhanced global and professional opportunities for students. Today, with expanded programs in areas like nursing, pharmacy and global education, Purdue’s Co-op Program continues to evolve, fostering innovation and real-world readiness for thousands of students.

For many Purdue students, the Co-op Program serves as more than just a professional stepping stone; it is the foundation upon which entire careers are built. Ed Barriball, now a partner at McKinsey & Company and a 2023 inductee into OPP Hall of Fame, credits the program as the catalyst for his journey.

"Without co-op, I probably wouldn’t have been able to get hired into GE’s technical leadership program," Barriball said. "Without that program, I probably wouldn’t have gotten into business school. And without business school, I wouldn’t be where I am now. Co-oping really started it all."

Ed Barriball (BSMSE '08) was inducted into the Professional Practice Hall of Fame in 2023 for his significant contributions to OPP programs. He is pictured with Jenny Strickland (left), OPP's assistant director for Co-op Programs and student development.

While Barriball’s journey highlights the program’s role in launching successful careers, it also reflects a broader narrative about the diverse ways the Co-op Program supports students and their families. Drew Bender, chief operating officer at VS Engineering and an individual deeply engaged in various initiatives over the years, shares another perspective, emphasizing the program's financial significance.

"The Co-op Program was a financial lifeline for our out-of-state family to help with college affordability," Bender said.

In addition to alleviating financial pressure, the co-op experience provided Bender with invaluable personal moments.

"I had the opportunity to live with my grandparents during my five sessions. That life experience gave me a moment with two critically important people in my life that built on the guidance my parents gave me growing up," Bender reflected.

Purdue’s OPP programs, like co-op, are designed to be flexible, allowing students to personalize their experiences. Whether accommodating unique living situations or adjusting work schedules, OPP ensures students can balance academic, professional and personal needs. This flexibility helps students apply classroom theory to real-world challenges while creating meaningful connections. One of the premier programs offered by OPP is GEARE, which expands opportunities for hands-on learning tailored to each student's journey.

GEARE is Purdue’s international work experience program, offering a unique opportunity to integrate language study, study abroad, cultural training, domestic and international work or research experiences, and global design team projects into the four-year engineering curriculum. The Office of Professional Practice is excited to welcome the first cohort of the GEARE program during the upcoming 14th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Oct. 18. Their continued success over the past few years makes this occasion particularly special as it marks the first time a GEARE cohort will be recognized.

Catherine Bradley, a chemical engineering major at Purdue University minoring in Spanish and Global Engineering Studies, served as a GEARE ambassador from Fall 2021 to Spring 2024, holding leadership roles including president and vice president. Her research experience includes positions at Purdue University, Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Universidad del Rosario, demonstrating a commitment to integrating global perspectives in engineering.

Cat Bradley, a senior in chemical engineering and GEARE student, went scuba diving in the Galapagos Islands during her study and work abroad experience.

Bradley reflects on her transformative experiences gained through this program, stating, "GEARE has given me several opportunities of a lifetime on a global scale. I have learned so much and grown into a better, more confident person. Pursuing experiences not normally accessible to engineering students has shed new light on the technical world and my role in jobs, my ability to collaborate and work in teams, and my success in my personal life." Bradley added, "Having done GEARE, I am more equipped with skills to pursue my passions and goals, communicate my ideas, share my work and benefit more from every opportunity. After I graduate, I plan to go to graduate school. Without GEARE, I would not be as certain in my ability to succeed in graduate school and afterward."

Similarly, Alex Dobbins (BSChE ‘22), a cybersecurity solutions architect at Emerson, reflects on the impact of hands-on learning programs on his academic journey.

"Programs such as GEARE, Co-op, Learning While Working, Interns for Indiana allow students to couple their classroom learning with meaningful projects early and often," Dobbins said.

This integration of practical experience with academic theory proved invaluable, as he added, "The real-world knowledge helped me excel in class and achieve a higher GPA during my junior and senior years compared to my freshman and sophomore years."

Purdue University's OPP not only offers students valuable hands-on experience but also provides employers with exclusive access to Purdue's top talent through its experiential learning programs. By partnering with OPP, companies can engage with students early on, assigning them real-world projects and internships that benefit both the students and the organizations. This collaboration allows employers to identify, nurture and secure future talent while contributing to students' professional development.

Many of these employer partnerships are built on long-standing relationships, strengthened over decades of mutual support and growth. John Todd, director of Product Safety and Reliability at GE Appliances, shares an example of the collaboration between OPP and GE Appliances, a Haier company.

"GE Appliances is honored to have partnered with Purdue University’s Co-op Program for nearly 60 years," Todd said, reflecting on the depth of their relationship.

Even during challenging times, such as the company's 2008 restructuring, Purdue's OPP remained a steadfast ally.

"That unwavering support has only strengthened our partnership," Todd noted.

As Purdue University’s OPP looks toward the future, it is poised to continue its legacy of innovation and collaboration. This commitment to innovation has recently extended to Purdue University in Indianapolis. With new initiatives and expanded programs on the horizon, OPP remains dedicated to providing students with even more global and professional opportunities while fostering strong, long-lasting partnerships with employers.

Joe Tort, associate director of the Office of Professional Practice, captures the pride and ambition driving these efforts.

“The staff at OPP is proud of the work it does. It’s extremely motivating to see the impact our programs have on the lives and careers of our alums. We look forward to expanding and continually improving our programs and are dedicated to becoming the top institution in the U.S. for co-op and internships,” Tort said.

Writer: Margaret Mowrer