“By participating in the Co-op program, I have gained the confidence to take advantage of all of life’s opportunities.” - Keith Cassidy

 

 

The American Society for Engineering Education has selected Stevens Institute of Technology senior, Keith Cassidy, as the Co-op Student of the Year. Keith will spend five days in Orlando, and receive a $500 cash award, to celebrate this honor. Keith participated in three co-op semesters, one at United Parcel Services (UPS), and two at Movado Group Inc. One of 13 nominations from qualifying schools, Keith’s experiences and accomplishments clearly set him apart from the competition.

During his co-op at UPS, Keith worked in support of regional project coordinators responsible for providing support to the Northeast region of the United States. Keith designed Microsoft Access Database reports which organized data and facilitated project management.  Keith notes that many of the skills that he developed in his co-op at UPS prepared him for his next co-op experience at Movado. In his personal statement which was included with his nomination, Keith explains: “I was able to be such an integral part of a business team that my co-op employer, Movado, gave me the opportunity to travel abroad and see the world. However, in order to reach that point in my career, I had to gain the necessary learning, leadership and management skills. I began to gain these skills at my first co-op assignment at UPS in New York City."

Keith's first co-op role at Movado was as a supply chain application analyst. In this position he analyzed business processes and translated each one into a diagram for SAP conversions. Keith was also in charge of updating Movado’s picking system which monitored and controlled inventory. Keith was first exposed to the SAP software during this co-op experience and developed an interest in its implementation which led him to his second co-op opportunity at Movado.

This time, Keith was charged with the task of creating a training program which he introduced in Movado’s Switzerland and Hong Kong corporate offices. As expressed in his nomination by his Movado supervisors: “Keith's primary achievements include becoming an SAP expert, training both domestic and international employees in preparation for global SAP implementation and becoming acquainted with the overall business process, including global sales and distribution.”  

While training Movado’s local teams, Keith grew both professionally and personally. By totally immersing himself in the local culture and language, Keith was able to learn from his trainees and as a result he developed long-lasting relationships. Keith stated in his nomination: “This international experience opened my eyes to new possibilities, encouraging me to set new goals for my future.”

Now, just one year later, Keith has received an offer for full-time employment after graduation. In addition, Keith is a co-op manager himself, and is in charge of interviewing the next group of Stevens students who will become part of the Movado co-op experience. 

Comments

[Ryan Culling]

Well, a student of mine asked if I would reccomend any technical schools in New Jersey. I didn't really know of any but after looking over your website I am going to send him your link. Looks pretty good.