Anthony Coratolo: Co-op Experience - Materials Science & Engineering @ Drexel University

Anthony Coratolo: Co-op Experience

Name: Anthony Coratolo

Year: Junior

Major: MS/BS Materials Science and Engineering

Where did you do your co-op?

ATOFINA Chemicals, Inc., King of Prussia, PA Job description

Participated in PVC formulation problem solving for the Polymers Technical Service Division. How did you get the job?

Steinbright Career Development Center

Duties on the job

The job included weighing up and blending PVC formulations, running PVC processing equipment, and performing tests for material strength, color retention, and molten PVC viscosity. I had to organize data and present it to my supervisors. What did you learn on the job?

I learned a great deal about polymer processing and testing. ATOFINA is a very large company and gave me the opportunity to learn about lab work outside the university setting. Job perks

The hours were very flexible. I could start anywhere from 7 to 9 in the morning. If I needed time off it was not a problem. The people in my department were very friendly. I could not have asked for a better group of people to work with. Salary

$610 for a 37.5 hour work week. There was some opportunity for overtime. What's your favorite thing about Philadelphia or where's your favorite place in Philly?

The best thing about the Philadelphia area is the food. This area has the best variety and best tasting food. As for the best place, it would have to be Sonny's cheese steaks on 2nd and Market Streets. Forget Pat's and Geno's—go to Sonny's where you can eat indoors and their steaks taste better.