1. As a student majoring in Operations Management and German, I was seeking a program that would enable me to pursue a career opportunity that combines both my passion for business operations and my love of the German language. Last semester, I became interested in the Cooperative Education Program when I researched the great benefits and potential opportunities the Co-op program provides by affording students the chance to interview with successful companies in the hopes of gaining valuable experience and continuous career development. I hope that my involvement with the co-op will give me valuable work experience that will involve both classroom instruction and learning on the job, development of professional network, and the crucial stepping stones towards the achievement of my long-term career goals.

2. While studying operations management, I have acquired a great interest in production and the logistics involved with production. I find it fascinating to study the flow of information, products, and resources in order to meet the needs and desires of customers. I also enjoy studying inventory control and applying methods, such as Just-in-Time, to ensure that inventory can move to customers in an effective and efficient quality and at reduced costs. In addition to inventory control and production logistics, I find the amount of money a company can save and the increase of efficiency and effectiveness a company can experience due to the implementation of strategic scheduling to be fascinating.

3. From June to the present, I work as a restaurant server at Cracker Barrel in Birmingham. Working as a server, I have learned how to provide excellent customer service by combining accuracy of taking orders and efficient delivering of food in order to ensure the customers are satisfied at all times. I also learned the importance of maintaining and stocking inventory. Before working as a server, I worked as a student research assistant at the Capstone Poll in Tuscaloosa. As a research assistant, I conducted telephone interviews to collect data that state and local agencies, not-for-profit, and profit companies use as research. I also learned the importance of technology in the flow of information in a manner that is both effective and efficient for companies and agencies.

4. While my parents cover my school tuition, I work part-time to cover some of my living expenses and educational expenses such as the costs of textbooks and other necessary school supplies. 5. I am very flexible and open to relocating for wherever a job might be for me. Although I am involved in organizations that participate in campus activities, I am more than willing to be absent from campus and campus activities to move in order to participate in a great job opportunity.

6. I possess ambition, a willingness to learn, and good communication and interpersonal skills. I also can easily adapt to change and any new situations and challenges. I am able to work effectively and efficiently both in a team and individually. I maintain the constant drive to work hard in everything and anything I do. I desire the opportunity to gain valuable work experience that combines both previous classroom instruction and on-the-job training. The Co-op program exists to benefit students by providing students with career development through valuable job opportunities. My qualities and characteristics with the help of the opportunities through the Co-op program could lead me to the potential for a job opportunity that could then later lead to the hope of a successful career. I will be able to use my qualities and characteristics to benefit my life both professionally and personally as the Co-op program desires to benefit students and encourage their development that will benefit them professionally and personally.