Job Offer From Hamilton Sundstrand
Feb 27th 2007Nik AgarwalRantings
Yesterday, I mentioned how I had a phone interview with Hamilton Sundstrand and how I thought I did pretty bad on it. After the interview, I immediately fired off an email to the interviewer thanking her for talking to me and telling me more about the company. Since she spent almost 45 minutes with me, I felt that it was the least I could do to make her feel “better” about interviewing me. As it turns out, she attached that email and forwarded my resume along with it to her supervisor who immediately offered me a co-op position starting in August of 2007.
The position requires that I co-op with Hamilton Sundstrand for a minimum of three semesters. In essence, I would intern with them in fall 2007, summer 2008, and spring 2009 before they could offer me a full-time position. After I graduated, they would most likely offer me a position within the company with extensive bonuses and tuition reimbursement so that I could continue my educational career and obtain a Master’s of Science in Industrial Engineering.
If you recall, I am not exactly willing to accept this offer because it would prolong my undergraduate graduation date. I admit that my life has had its share of ups and downs and because of certain events, I feel that it is time for me to quickly complete my undergraduate degree and pursue my master’s before I get too old. Although I am not that old (23), I really want to get out and make my own money on my own two feet. For several years now, I have been relying on my parents for financial support and I really want to be able to support myself.
Jennifer Lynn, from broke-ass student, inquired whether or not I would have to relocate. The answer to that is no. The position is located in Rockford, IL and I live in Gurnee, IL. If you do a quick search on Google Maps, you will see that I am about 75 miles from their facility. I could drive every day and it would not really bother me since the company will reimburse me $500/month for travel and other “relocation” expenses. Jen also asked how relevant my degree might be if the company is already offering me a job indirectly. I’m not sure how much relevance they will place on my degree, but it certainly is required as a full-time position is contingent upon me graduating. The undergraduate degree will also offer me the chance to apply and work for another company in the future.
The way I am looking at this is not simply just to get a job. Rather, I really want to have the chance to work for experience. In addition, I don’t have any plans of staying put with any company in this area because I really want to move to Arizona or New Mexico. As such, I don’t want to be stuck working for a company in Illinois. However, I am not going to simply say no to Hamilton Sundstrand just yet. I really want to talk to my parents and see what they have to say. If they are willing to support this decision, then I may be willing to accept Hamilton’s offer. Besides, I only have one week to decide, so it would awesome if you guys could also share your thoughts and give me some advice on what I should do.
6 Comments » | Random Post
Nathan on 28 Feb 2007 at 7:48 am #
Nik,
Faced with a pretty big decision, huh? I just left the defense industry for a high tech job in the commercial industry. Co-oping has so many benefits. For one you may get into the industry and decide IE isn’t for you. Lots of times universities don’t make it apparent what engineering is all about and what type of job you’ll be doing for the rest of your life. The other major benefit is that Hamilton will pay for your masters. My personal opinion up to now has been that you don’t really need a masters to be successful, but here in the high tech industry everyone has a masters and several people have phds. I’m considering going back for an MBA.
If you need the cash, a break from the rigors of school, or invaluable experience I would say take the job. A summer intern job could solve some of the cash flow problems while still providing some experience. I’ve heard of quite a few graduates not being able to find jobs right out of school and a co-op position solves this quandry as well. Best of luck and if you want to chat about the defense industry feel free to contact me.
nitin on 28 Feb 2007 at 2:36 pm #
Why do you want to go to Airzona or New Mexico?
Nik Agarwal on 01 Mar 2007 at 5:09 pm #
There are benefits of choosing to do a co-op with Hamilton Sundstrand. However, I think my biggest concern is simply not to upset the BS/MS sequence that I am currently a part of. Simply put, this sequence requires students to start their masters upon conclusion of their bachelor’s since up to 3 of our 400 level courses in industrial engineering are granted graduate level credit. Although Hamilton Sundstrand is willing to pay for my master’s, there is no guarantee that their tuition reimbursement program will accept my request. Plus, I think I really want to be committed for just 3 months versus 3 co-op semesters (e.g. almost 12 months).
Nik Agarwal on 01 Mar 2007 at 5:12 pm #
I’m sorry Nitin, but I deleted one of your comments since it was a duplicate. I want to move to Arizona or New Mexico because of the weather. This does not mean that I am not considering Southern California, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi, or other states in the south. I really do not like winter, snow, or cold weather anymore. So if given the opportunity to move south, you can bet that I am going to take it.
Jennifer Lynn on 01 Mar 2007 at 9:09 pm #
This sounds like a fantastic opportunity. However, in the end you need to follow your own heart. If you know you’re striving to relocate, perhaps finish your undergrad while sending out as many resumes as possible to companies in your desired locale?
Nik Agarwal on 01 Mar 2007 at 11:48 pm #
That is my goal once I’m done with my master’s degree. In the meantime, I simply want a summer internship for some pocket change and experience. However, when I am ready to go for a full-time job permanently, then I think it will be a smarter decision to focus my resumes in the regions where I want to work.