Building experience in Engineering Co-Op Program
A cohort of graduate students in the School of Engineering put their classroom knowledge into action this semester in the first SOE Graduate Co-Op Program. Launched in Fall 2024, the program provided 35 graduate students across 14 different majors with real-world engineering experience and industry networking opportunities. Students secured their co-ops with support from a graduate co-op advisor and the Tufts Career Center.
According to Alicia Abdulrazzaq, Assistant Director of School of Engineering Graduate Co-Op Advising, the first cohort has been a success. “Seeing students grow in confidence, develop professionally, and advance in their careers is a powerful reminder of the value of this program,” said Abdulrazzaq. While each of their co-op experiences were different, “all students reported that their co-ops have affirmed their career choices and deepened their industry connections,” she shared.
Several months into the program, four graduate students reflect on their co-op journeys.
Talha Basharat
Co-op role: Corporate Intern
Co-op employer: Walmart Robotics
What does a day in the life of your co-op look like?
The project that took up most of my time was a design project, so my role involved a lot of Computer-Aided Design (CAD). I also carried out prototyping and fabrication to test out ideas and help other teams expedite testing and moving products toward production.
How has your co-op influenced your career goals or shaped your perspective on your field?
I gained firsthand experience that helped me better understand what I enjoy working on and what areas I need to improve. It also gave me insight into what company culture and company size I’d prefer to work in. These are all important insights for choosing a sustainable and well-informed career path.
What advice would you give to a grad student considering doing a co-op?
I encourage students to narrow down their areas of interest by talking to alumni and professors. This will help them become stronger candidates for the roles they apply to. Also, research the company and the role in advance. Apply early to maximize chances of landing a preferred co-op. Finally, do not forget to network—reach out to alumni and friends for potential leads and referrals.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I’d like to thank the Career Center and the Graduate Co-op Team for supporting us – not just before the start of the co-op, but also throughout the entire experience. The support and advice we received as part of the first cohort was unparalleled. It truly felt like Tufts was behind us—whether we were on campus or out in the field making an impact.
Pratheek Goutham
Co-op role: Manufacturing Engineer
Co-op employer: Amazon Robotics
Can you briefly describe your co-op and what your role is?
I currently work on the Advance Manufacturing Engineering team. We primarily work with Amazon Fulfillment Technologies, developing automated solutions to streamline the customer fulfillment process. My role spans various stages of the product life cycle, from prototype to production. As manufacturing engineers, we ensure products are manufactured within specifications, and we frequently collaborate with suppliers to resolve operational issues such as quality defects and shipment delays.
How has your co-op experience enhanced your education?
My co-op experience gave me practical skills that complement my theoretical knowledge. With a background in mechanical engineering, I quickly understand the technical aspects. My experience in the Master's in Innovation and Management program helped me better understand the business aspects of it. I applied nearly 80% of my classroom knowledge to my time here at Amazon—negotiation strategy and new product innovation through various life cycles to name a couple.
How has your co-op influenced your career goals or shaped your perspective on your field?
Now I have a clear understanding of what I need to do and where I want to go. This is more than just an experience which looks good on my resume, but an eye opener for someone like me with little to no prior corporate experience.
What advice would you give to a grad student considering doing a co-op?
If you want a taste of what the corporate world is really like, I strongly recommend enrolling in the Co-Op Program. It’s a decision you won’t regret. This small step can be a major turning point for a great career path ahead.
Dana Fein-Schaffer
Co-op role: UX/UI Co-op
Co-op employer: Abiomed
What does a day in the life of your co-op look like?
The day-to-day slightly changed depending on the stage of the project, but a typical day usually involved working on designs in Figma, meeting with my mentor and other team members for feedback, and occasionally having conversations with people on other teams to understand the subject matter better.
How has your time at Tufts helped prepare you for the co-op?
My Human Factors in Medical Devices and Use-Risk Assessment classes were extremely helpful. Since my co-op was at a medical device company, being familiar with key terms and having a basic understanding of the human factors process as it relates to medical devices and risk management was very useful.
How has your co-op influenced your career goals or shaped your perspective on your field?
My co-op confirmed my interest both in user experience (UX) and in MedTech. I genuinely enjoyed the different aspects of my job, which cemented my choice to transition my career into UX. While I already had an existing interest in medical devices, having the opportunity to actually work for a MedTech company has confirmed that this is the direction I want to go. After I graduate, I hope to continue working as a UX designer in MedTech.
What advice would you give to a grad student considering doing a co-op?
Start your search early, and don’t get discouraged if it takes time to get interviews. I was applying for a couple months without hearing back from any companies, and then I received multiple interview offers all within a week or two of each other. Be persistent—it pays off!
Rick Wang
Co-op role: Strategy and Business Development Analyst
Co-op employer: Tochi Snacks
Can you briefly describe your co-op and what your role is?
I worked for Tochi Snacks, a consumer-packaged goods company aimed at bringing authentic Asian snack flavors to the U.S. market. My role involved analyzing consumer trends using market data and leveraging that data to guide our expansion strategy across different regions. This hands-on experience provided me with valuable insights into the fast-moving consumer goods industry and the complexities of scaling a brand in a competitive market.
How has your time at Tufts helped prepare you for the co-op?
My time at Tufts in the Master’s of Innovation and Management (MSIM) program helped prepare me for this role by equipping me with analytical and problem-solving skills essential for market strategy and business development. Courses in innovation, finance, and entrepreneurship provided a strong foundation, while real-world projects helped me think critically about consumer behavior and industry trends.
How has your co-op experience enhanced your education?
My co-op experience has significantly enhanced my education by bridging the gap between theoretical learning and real-world application. While my coursework at Tufts provided me with a strong foundation in market analysis, financial modeling, and strategic decision-making, my time at Tochi Snacks allowed me to apply these concepts in a practical setting.
What advice would you give to a grad student considering doing a co-op?
This co-op experience not only reinforced my interest in strategy and business development but also gave me a deeper appreciation for the operational and marketing aspects of growing a brand. It shaped my perspective on how to bring a product to market and influenced my long-term career aspirations in strategy roles and consumer-focused industries. For graduate students considering a co-op, I’d highly recommend seeking roles that provide hands-on experience and exposure into fields you're passionate about. The opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world business challenges is invaluable—and it allows you to build a strong network while developing industry-relevant skills.
Beyond industry experience
These graduate students have expanded their professional networks, honed their technical and leadership skills, and gained invaluable real-world insight through their co-op experiences. As they take the next steps in their careers, the lessons learned and connections made through the Co-Op Program will continue to shape their professional journeys in immeasurable ways. Some students have already been invited back to their co-op employers to work in new roles or have been offered full-time jobs post-graduation.
As Alicia Abdulrazzaq puts it, “My hope is that one day when people think of Tufts University, they’ll also think of the Graduate Co-Op Program that we have available for our students.” As the program continues to expand with each new cohort the mission will remain the same — preparing students to navigate an evolving engineering landscape with confidence and purpose.
Learn more about the SOE Graduate Co-Op Program