Dear Future Co-op Student: What I Wish I Knew Before I Started

This study analyzes reflective letters from chemical engineering co-op students who offer advice to future interns by adapting Brookfield’s reflective teaching exercise in a co-op course. Common themes include asking questions, setting goals, taking initiative, and building relationships. Students shared regrets that informed targeted improvements to co-op preparation, including SMART goal planning, workplace scenario training, and midterm reflections. We use these reflection letters to guide future students and enhance their experiential learning through more student-informed and responsive course activities.Accessibility Summary:In accordance with Title II regulations this content meets all points of exemption as Archived web content and/or Preexisting conventional electronic documents.