Through its co-op program, Honda brings college students on board throughout the year to get fresh eyes and perspectives, while giving students real-world work experience.
Alexandra Levi, who will begin her fourth year at The Ohio State University (OSU) studying environmental engineering this fall, was named Co-op of the Term for the work she did as part of Honda Development & Manufacturing of America’s (HDMA) Environmental Department. Jake Cooney, an incoming senior at Kennesaw State University in Georgia, was a co-op in Facilities at the Transmission Manufacturing Plant – Georgia (TMP-G) and was named Co-op of the Term Runner Up.
Plethora of Experience
Levi, the first co-op to work in HDMA’s Environmental Department, split her time between projects at the Auto Development Center (ADC), East Liberty Auto Plant (ELP) and Marysville Auto Plant (MAP).
“There were so many projects,” she said. “I did some compliance work, such as best management practices, and even helped negotiate a price point for a wastewater pipe extension for performance.”
Levi’s favorite project centered around collecting data and implementing a bracket on a sump dealing with dumping e-coat waste that will save thousands of dollars by preventing equipment damage or interference with production. Her work cataloging plants and species in the pollinator fields (below) at the ADC also sparked Levi’s interest in creating pollinator fields at other sites around Honda’s Ohio campuses.
Being involved at three different sites gave Levi many different experiences and chances to grow. “At first, I was hesitant being the only co-op working at three different facilities,” she said. “I had a lot on my plate and didn’t have a lot of confidence. But with this experience, I went out and learned new skills. I now have faith in myself that I didn’t have before.”
Nominations for naming Levi Co-op of the Term echoed her ability to learn: “She is passionate about hydrology, environmentalism, new technology and is always eager to get her hands dirty. When assisting with the installation of a new metering device for MAP’s Environmental Department, Alex was doing some of the welding herself. She wants to learn hands-on and is never afraid to take on a challenge.”
Snagging a co-op term at Honda was a major goal for Levi. She attended a sustainability event last year at OSU and learned about Honda’s efforts. “Honda is a huge name,” she said. “And I’ve heard amazing things about it from my friends. Honda was my first choice.”
And Honda may be a first choice after Levi graduates in 2025. “I’m interested in coming back to Honda,” she said. “I even had my own mini version of EDP (Honda’s Engineering Development Program) because I worked in different departments. I wish I’d had more time talking to associates on the production floor because there’s a lot more to learn, and there’s always something to do. I definitely see myself coming back to Honda in the future.”
Hands-On Learning
A mechanical engineering technology major, Cooney got his first experience in a manufacturing facility with his TMP-G co-op term. Cooney wants to use his skills in the automotive industry and said working at Honda for the summer was an easy choice.
“I’ve overall enjoyed everything I’ve done,” he said. “I look forward to coming into work. All my coworkers are very friendly, and I’ve made some long-lasting friendships.”
As a Facilities co-op, Cooney won’t see many of his projects come to fruition while he’s here, but he’s proud of the work he’s done, including working on a leak coming from a garage door.
“I got the elevation of the ground with a laser level and tape measure,” he said. “I made a heatmap overlay of the area, and that’s one thing I’m most proud of doing here.”
During his co-op term, Cooney also learned about thermodynamics, HVAC, water cooling and chiller rooms. “I’ve also improved my soft skills like presentations,” he said. “I now know how to write a more professional email, and I know how to reach out to companies professionally.”
His mentor, Bobby Clark, also has made a point of teaching Cooney other valuable skills. “I mentioned that I don’t understand motor controls or electrical things very well, so he has been giving me an electrical class and is helping me learn some things I don’t fully understand. He’s great!”
With his co-op term, Cooney also has a clearer image of his ideal job. “Earlier in college, my dream job was to design cars, which would still be very cool,” he said. “But I’ve learned that designing cars might be a little more of a sit-down job, and being here and in school has taught me that I prefer doing jobs where I can use my hands and get dirty.”
Below: Cooney after some work on a fan.
Cooney hopes after he graduates, he can get his hands dirty at Honda. “After I graduate, the EDP program seems very cool,” he said. “I’m interested in that and want to find something that catches my interest.”
Congratulations to Levi, Cooney and Honda’s other summer co-ops. Best of luck in the future!
