For nearly 50 years, companies across the Pacific Northwest have partnered with MECOP to develop the next generation of engineering, technology, and business professionals. Today, that network includes approximately 130 member companies connected with students across 19 disciplines at four Oregon universities.
But what keeps companies involved year after year?
For many, the answer goes far beyond filling an internship position. MECOP membership provides companies with an opportunity to develop future employees, build visibility among emerging professionals, connect with other industry leaders, and play an active role in preparing students for the workplace.
MECOP internships last six months, giving students the opportunity to take on meaningful work and become immersed in a professional environment. For companies, that extended experience provides something equally valuable: time.
Rather than evaluating a candidate through a resume and a handful of interviews, employers have months to see how an intern communicates, learns, collaborates, solves problems, and adapts to the workplace. At the same time, students gain a much deeper understanding of the company, its work, and its culture.
The result is what MECOP often describes as a six-month working interview, giving both the student and employer an opportunity to determine whether there could be a long-term fit.
"This is only our second year in the program, but it is all a win-win-win scenario. The student gains experience and networking, the companies have a six month no-obligation trial period for new hires, and the community wins in that we have local businesses using homegrown talent. Because of MECOP, I have a renewed belief in the future generations of professionals." - Roger Andreassen (TriMet)
The relationship doesn't necessarily end when an internship does. Historically, approximately 70% of MECOP graduates have been hired by a MECOP member company after graduation, demonstrating how the program can become part of a company's long-term talent strategy.
And that pipeline extends beyond the student currently completing an internship. Through Company Expo, interviews, outreach, plant tours, professional development, and other MECOP activities, member companies have opportunities to build relationships with students throughout their college experience.
"For companies considering interns, please consider adding MECOP to your current intern program or starting an intern program with MECOP at your company! This will bring new energy to your team(s) and fresh perspectives. Our Engineering and Production teams have raved about the MECOP students and the value they bring year after year. The energy has gone up to our C-suite staff, all very invested in the success of our partnership with MECOP because they've seen what value these interns bring." – Erica Dobbins (Ichor Systems)
For many students, their first introduction to a company happens through MECOP. Member involvement gives organizations opportunities to share who they are, what they do, and the types of careers available within their industry before students begin a traditional post-graduation job search.
This can be particularly valuable for companies or industries students may not initially recognize as potential employers. A conversation at Company Expo, a plant tour, an interview, or an interaction with a company volunteer can introduce a student to an entirely new career path.
"MECOP made a difference for me. Before the program, I would not have thought I would be working in the public sector, and certainly wouldn't have thought I would be working on water, wastewater, and storm water projects. The program gave me a chance to test out an agency that I would not have imagined I would end up working for." - Sophia Pezzetti (City of Salem)
MECOP membership also connects companies to a network of organizations that share an interest in developing the region's future workforce. Representatives don't simply participate as employers. They serve on committees, volunteer at events, mentor students, contribute feedback, and help shape the program alongside university partners and other industry professionals.
That active involvement has remained a defining part of MECOP throughout its history. Companies aren't simply accessing a pool of candidates. They are contributing to how students are prepared for professional careers.
Joining MECOP requires an investment from member companies, both financially and through active participation. In return, companies gain access to a network designed to connect industry and education in a way that benefits both.
From developing future employees through six-month internships to increasing company visibility, connecting with students across 19 disciplines, and collaborating with fellow member organizations, MECOP offers companies opportunities to invest not only in their own workforce, but in the next generation of professionals.
As MECOP approaches 50 years of industry and university partnership, new companies continue to become part of that network.
Interested in becoming a MECOP member company? Learn more about membership, upcoming opportunities to connect with MECOP, and how to begin the application process, email Yuliya Dotter, Executive Director of MECOP.
