What should I do about this job offer?

BadAzz70PU · March 15, 2001

HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ok, heres the deal. I am a freshman at clemson university in south carolina. I am from Pa originally and love it there.

Last week I interviewed with 8 companies for coop positions down here because that is the policy of our coop program. I talked to the advisor though and he said it is no big deal to not take a position from any of these companies and to get a position in Pa. That is where my girlfriend, truck, friends and family all are so I love going home and spending time there.

Well yesterday I got offered a position as a residential assistant which means I get paid to get my own room and to work 3 hours a week doing basically nothing.

Then today I get offered a postion at Genearal Electrics plant in Greenville SC. At first I didnt think anything of it, then I read on. I will be getting paid ? a week and get reimbursed for my housing. The problem is that it is in SC and it is in the fall of next year which would mean that I have to give up my RA position. They have a facility close to my home in Pa but I believe coops cannot transfer. They also have a high percentage of highering coops after they graduate which would mean I would start out after college at roughly 50-60g's a year.

Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

Sorry it is so long, I just have to get this out and my parents are both still at work.

Jpshostr · March 15, 2001

I would give up the RA job and take the GE one. The second one has a future in it, the RA one doesn't. And from my time in the dorms, I still cannot imagine why anyone would want to be an RA, at least at my college anyways. Go with GE and get your foot in the door, you'll get a lot more out of it in the long run.

March 15, 2001

I know that home is where the heart is, but Greenville, SC is a pretty nice area. I'd definitely look to the future. If you learn the ropes and get to be the best at your job, you can work anywhere you want.

Shaners · March 16, 2001

I work for a GE in Western PA. I've been there for over twelve years. GE's policy for their new hires in management usually is for them to transfer through three plants, during their first couple of years. It is also their policy to keep the better employees moving through the system to get them broader knowledge. You can stay at one place (after your internship is over) but you have to remember that GE itself is huge and makes everything from gas turbines to lightbulbs to plastics to locomotives. They treat the whole conglomerate as one large company and encourage you to learn all you can about their diversified businesses.

I believe one of our best plant managers from here is now at the Greenville plant. His name is Bill Standera. Tell him I said Hi, because you'd be crazy not to take the job!!!

76BBSub · March 17, 2001

Co-oping is probably the best way to launch your career fast when you graduate. I co-oped with a consulting company here in Houston when I was in college at the University of Texas. I had multiple job interviews, and landed a job two months before I even graduated. The contacts that I made in the co-op job have helped my ever since, and I graduated 6 years ago. I would say that if you want to be successful when you graduate, take the GE job. Even if you don't want to work for GE the fact that you co-oped is respected by nearly any company. You can pay your dues now and when you graduate move back to PA and interview there. When they see that you co-oped at GE they will be interested, although they may want to know why you didn't go to work for GE when you graduated, since GE seems to be a great company.

You can email me direct if you would like more of my thoughts and experiences ([email protected])

But the short answer is TAKE THE GE JOB!!

Good luck!

Jeff