S E A Consultants, Inc. is proud of its history of working with local colleges and universities to employ students in co-operative education positions. As a co-op at S E A, you'll have the opportunity to work with a variety of professional engineers, scientists and architects, on projects including water treatment, wastewater treatment, hazardous waste remediation, bridges, roads, drainage, planning, and LNG facilities, to name a few. You'll learn a lot to complement your academic work, and you'll have fun and earn some cash at the same time. But don't take our word for it. The following paragraphs have been written by some of our recent co-op engineers, upon completion of one or more semesters working at S E A.

Asif Dunga, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Working at S E A Consultants Inc. was by far the best co-op experience I have had. Although my co-op was with the Water Resources Group, I also had the opportunity to work with the Civil Group, Environmental Group, Structural/Architectural Group, and Transportation Group. These diverse experiences helped to broaden my horizons within the civil engineering field. My eyes were opened to aspects of the field that I had never considered before coming to S E A. Another thing I really liked about S E A that I did not experience during my previous co-ops, was the friendly team atmosphere. The individual people who make up S E A made my co-op even more valuable. One of my favorite aspects of working there was the fact that everyone knew my name and knew who I was, a rarity co-ops do not see at most companies.

At S E A I worked on many different projects, performing such tasks as:
.Making redline edits to project drawings in AutoCAD
.Creating drainage plans using ArcGIS
.Using the VueWorks software program to edit project information
.Work on cost estimates
.Editing/writing specifications
.Review shop drawings from Contractors
.Performing field investigations
.Using GPS surveying equipment

Helping with these tasks and many others taught me skills, which will be helpful as I move forward in my engineering career. If I had to sum up my experience as a co-op at S E A in one word it would be "awesome."

Noah Garguilo, Northeastern University
My experience, in general, was an extremely positive one. I was exposed to a wide variety of subjects.
I had the opportunity to:
.Do design work
.Help with reports and specifications
.Participate in investigations including soil borings, smoke testing, and CCTV inspection
.Work directly with clients to help meet their needs

By the end of the semester, the job mixture was roughly 10% field work, 65% technical labor (CAD design and drafting, GIS, data manipulation, technical writing, project coordination, etc.), and 25% non-technical labor (data entry and maintenance, CAD editing, administrative work). The work environment was always constructive, with plenty of opportunities to receive formal and informal instruction. Working at SEA, I was given the ability to prove myself. When I did a good job, I was given more responsibilities. Despite my lack of technical expertise, I found the experience commensurate to an entry level position rather than Co-op.

Justin Roy, Northeastern University:
Working at S E A Consultants was far different than my last co-op job at the Big Dig. At S E A my job title was Co-op, but in reality I was a Junior Engineer. My tasks at S E A varied greatly throughout my co-op. Some of my more interesting projects were laying out an MWRA water main and designing/estimating upgrades for a sewer and water system in Ipswich, MA. I also did a lot of calculations for various projects throughout Cambridge. These tasks were important to the completion of various projects, which allowed me to really get an in-depth feel for many different engineering aspects. When I wasn't working on a particular project, I usually filled my time with tedious tasks such as AutoCAD corrections, filing paper work, and other various construction administration tasks. For the most part I was always busy and never had to struggle to work a full week. During this co-op I mainly used AutoCAD and Excel to work on many of the projects I was involved with. S E A also trained me on AutoCAD LDT, GPS surveying, and how to correct GPS survey data. In my opinion one of the best benefits to working at S E A is the people. The people working at S E A were extremely friendly and seemed to have endless patience when it came to explaining tasks. They were also flexible when it came to my work schedule - allowing me to come in early if I had to leave early, and work through lunch. I truly enjoyed my time at S E A, and I feel they have prepared me to enter the working world.

Moises Jaramillo, Northeastern University:
Knowing I would be the first co-op hired by S E A's Information Technology (IT) Department showed me the exciting challenges that I would face. After exchanging ideas and questions with the head of my Department for months, I realized that I wasn't just dealing with someone who would answer my questions, but a very bright individual who even won the company's "B.S. of the Year" award. He assisted me in various ways: he answered my Cisco questions so I can earn my CCNA; he made me aware of IT's role not just as a computer shop, but how it should be utilized for profit rather than just being overhead; and how reading has assisted him in becoming an outstanding CIO. Another full-time member of the IT staff always took the time to show me how to accomplish anything. And regardless of how many times I made a mistake, he always kept his cool, even when I gift wrapped his whole office, from his chair to the stapler. I couldn't have asked for a better diversity of players that have fulfilled my co-op experience at S E A Consultants, Inc.

Denise Devlin, Northeastern University:
My second co-op at SEA was very different from my first because I got to work with a number of Engineers and Project Managers on a lot of different projects. The last time I was on co-op, I worked on the same project most of the time. I liked it because I was very knowledgeable about the project, I knew what I was going to do everyday at work and I tried to reach milestones at certain phases. Even though it was good to work on a project for most of its duration, I got to learn and accomplish a lot of new things the second time around. This co-op was different because I was given a lot of shorter assignments to do. When I was out of work, I always found a way to keep myself busy.

Like my last co-op, I was an AutoCAD operator for mostly Sewer, Water and Stormwater projects. I also did some CAD work for the Transportation and Structural teams.

Some of my major CAD assignments included:
. Preliminary record drawing design
. Drawing details
. Mapping
. Stationing and creating alignments
. Making changes to redlines

Some of my other tasks during coop included:
. Flow testing
. Performing earthwork calculations
. Calculating cost estimates and pay requisitions
. Taking field measurements
. Analyzing NPDES data
. Working on cost estimates and pay requisitions
. Reviewing shop drawings
. Reviewing sewer and water plans
. Using ArcGIS to create maps
. Using VueWorks to locate existing sewers
. Assessing soil conditions and filling out soil suitability forms

Co-ops are usually given the "dirty work" to do. The "dirty work" I did during co-op will pay off once I graduate because I have further developed skills using CAD, GIS, and Microsoft Excel, which are some of the major computer programs used in the Civil Engineering field.

My experience at SEA has also helped me develop better organizational and interpersonal skills. Because of its open door policy and relaxed working environment, I feel more comfortable working independently and in teams to meet project deadlines. Co-op is what you make of it. There is a lot of opportunity working as a co-op at SEA. Take advantage of it.

Shaina Glidden, Northeastern University:
It is the last day of my final co-op. Looking into the future is a frightening reality check - my next job will be the real thing. But looking back on what I have learned and observed during my co-ops reassures me that it won't be that bad. This was my second co-op term with SEA Consultants Inc. and by far the most rewarding. I was able to apply everything I learned from the first term with confidence and the feeling that people trusted my work. Namely, I continued to use ArcGIS - a versatile mapping tool - to make visuals used in presentation and federal applications, and to assess the condition and failure risk of sewer infrastructure in the town of Framingham, MA. I also got a chance to expand my experience into various sectors of the company, including the transportation sector. I edited roadway plans and provided cost estimates. I helped to review landscape plans, sewer designs and drainage systems. I even did some preliminary sewer and water design, while learning the basics of creating a set of drawings. I also learned some tools in LDT, like how to create an alignment and a profile, but never applied it.

Several times, I'd find myself working late in the office. Some co-workers would comment that co-ops shouldn't have to be pressured to stay late. I would also question why I was staying late on an occasion or two. But part of the reason for staying late was being loaded with work, which I chose to do and I'm happy about doing it. Other employees in the office recognized that I liked doing the work they gave me, so they gave me more. Besides, it gave me practice on more projects and probably benefited me in the end.

I wish I could be a co-op for life, constantly getting patted on the head for a job well done and putting in a good effort, but things change. One thing that won't change is SEA's ability to provide a great work environment for aspiring engineers. Thanks to all who have made my experience well worth the effort.

Denise Devlin, Northeastern University:
Working at SEA has given me a taste of what it is like to work in a business with well-ordered professionals. During my term as a Coop student, I was an Autocad and GIS operator for water, sewer and storm drain projects. Most of the work assigned to me involved mapping a town's sewer system. Some of my other work included creating excel spreadsheets, traffic surveying and sewer field investigations. Along with my studies, this experience will help me identify with the overall view of the engineering world.

Shaina Glidden, Northeastern University:
My name is Shaina Glidden and I am a middler from Northeastern University. S E A Consultants is the second place I have worked, but my first six month co-op. It is located in the heart of Central Square in Cambridge, MA, a great location for food and entertainment.

At S E A I worked on the 4th floor, the water resources group. It has been a very fulfilling experience because I have worked on more projects, from proposals to post-construction, than I can even count. I also practiced using many computer applications for the different jobs, such as ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Microsoft Excel and Access. I was never sitting around looking for something to do for more than an hour and got to work with some people in the other departments. ArcGIS was the application I used most and will carry on those skills to every job I encounter. I also did work outside in Everett for several weeks, during which I became very familiar with ArcPAD (an in field application of ArcGIS).

The great thing about S E A Consultants, Inc. is that despite working day after day, I don't feel like I have to drag myself to get there. The atmosphere is unlike that of an enormous corporation. Everyone works hard here, but they always seem to have time to answer my questions or just to chat. It felt great to learn that even the President of the company knew exactly who I was. I also did some non work-related activities, like the Run of the Charles (a 24-mile canoe relay), the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge (a 3.5-mile run through the city), and indoor soccer. Needless to say, I had a great time working here. The experience has proven to me that the Northeastern University co-op program really is worth the time, that I'm comfortable with the major I chose, and that I have learned a lot from the projects I worked on and the people I worked with.

Greg St. Louis, Northeastern University:
S E A Consultants was a good co-op. The staff at S E A, from the engineers to the P.E.'s, were all helpful, informative, and approachable. S E A provided me with greater AutoCAD experience than I had received in school, and also gave me the opportunity to see how biding and contract preparation are handled from the consultant's point of view. There was light field work, paperwork, and research with a decent amount of AutoCAD. Overall it was a great 6 months and I would not hesitate to co-op here again.

Alex Marinkovich, Wentworth Institute of Technology:
Over the past four months I've had the opportunity to pursue various projects, challenge my abilities and meet some great people. This experience has been a great one!

Some of the many tasks and duties that I've covered here at S E A this summer are as follows:
. Oversee the installation of ground monitoring wells.
. Oversee test pit excavation for subsurface exploration.
. Environmental sampling for various parameters.
. Split spoon sampling and characterizing subsurface conditions.
. Responsible for contacting Dig Safe and coordinating dig safe locations.
. Open lines of communications with clients and contractors.
. Completing company logs according to specific classification guidelines.
. Assisting co-workers with engineering tasks.
. Locating ties for borings and test pits on CAD (electronic map)

S E A Consultants did a great job working with employees to achieve personal as well as management goals. I've learned many important skills necessary in becoming a successful engineer.

Scott Cameron, Northeastern University:
My initial 3-month co-op at S E A included mostly random tasks ranging from CAD to some minor design assignments. I came back for another 6-month co-op and worked mostly on the same two projects. The first was a major asset management and CWMP (Comprehensive Wastewater Management Plan) project. This involved a lot of data analysis and logging and some field work (pump station inspections).

The other job was preliminary utility design work for Harvard University. Lots of CAD work but also some interesting field work at the school (sewer camera inspections, utility research, etc.). I worked a lot with clients and had some experience with real design issues and tasks. I got to do a lot of work independently with the freedom to complete it however I felt was best. This certainly gave me a lot of professional experience that I can take with me to any other job in the future. One of the hardest things about co-op is that not too many employers give you any freedom and it is hard to work with people constantly looking over your shoulder. There was certainly a lot of flexibility with this at S E A. If you are looking for a good office job, S E A is certainly worth looking into. One of the best qualities of this company is the outgoingness and friendliness of the staff. It is very easy to get along with everyone and you will certainly leave here with many new friends and contacts.