Three South Carolina students are rapidly advancing their careers through hands-on co-op programs at industry leaders Zippo Manufacturing and Allegheny Surface Technology, transforming classroom knowledge into real-world business and tech expertise.
Marketing Seniors Kayla Keck and Jaydon Hogue Gain Critical Business Experience
Kayla Keck, a senior in Erika Fries’ Marketing program, is making significant headway at Allegheny Surface Technology, where she applies marketing theory to daily business operations. Keck’s role involves generating and building parts, preparing formal quotes, and completing purchase orders that meet real customer demands.
“The best part of co-op is gaining confidence while learning how a business operates day to day,” Keck said. She plans to stay with Allegheny after graduation to continue growing her skills in what she describes as a “supportive environment.”
Meanwhile, Jaydon Hogue, also a senior in the same marketing program, strengthens vital administrative skills via a co-op in Zippo Manufacturing’s Logistics Department. Hogue’s responsibilities include entering data into Excel, tracking shipments, and reviewing costs—tasks directly tied to her coursework.
Hogue stresses the value of earning money while gaining hands-on experience and praises Zippo’s supportive logistics team and the perks like occasional breakfast from a local café.
She is set to attend the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford after graduation to pursue Business and Sports & Recreational Management, showing a clear trajectory toward a versatile business career.
IT Junior Logan Green Advances Tech Skills with Zippo’s IT Department
Logan Green, a junior in Dave Ware’s Computer Maintenance Technology program, is building his technical prowess under mentorship at Zippo Manufacturing’s IT department.
Green’s daily duties span repairing computers, providing online support, diagnosing network issues, and managing servers—work that closely mirrors his academic training and pushes him to master tasks unseen in past roles.
“Earning money while learning new skills, especially tasks I haven’t encountered before, has been a highlight of the co-op,” Green shared.
Like Hogue, Green plans to continue his education at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford with a focus on technology.
Why These Co-Ops Matter NOW for Students and Industry
These co-op placements at Zippo and Allegheny underscore a growing trend in career-focused education that combines academic learning with immediate workplace skills.
For South Carolina and the wider US, programs like these bolster local economies by supplying companies with motivated talent while equipping students to launch stable careers in competitive fields.
Such direct connections between education and employment are rapidly becoming essential as job markets demand both technical proficiency and practical experience.
Looking Ahead: Career Growth and Education Paths
The three students’ post-graduation plans highlight diverse pathways from co-op experience to specialized degrees aimed at long-term career success in business, sports management, and technology.
Employers like Zippo and Allegheny Surface Technology gain equally from these partnerships, nurturing future professionals who inject fresh ideas and current skills into vital operational sectors.
For readers in South Carolina, this developing story signals strong opportunities for local students and businesses striving for competitive advantage in a fast-changing economy.
The SC Journal will continue tracking these co-op programs as they evolve, spotlighting tomorrow’s workforce champions and the companies mentoring them.
