From Co-Op to Career: Ryan's Story

Showcasing the journeys of those who began as co-ops and grew into full-time employees at F&T.

Ryan Abbotoni, Mechanical Designer at F&T

Ryan Abbotoni

Mechanical Designer

In his role as Mechanical Designer, Ryan supports the design and coordination of HVAC and mechanical systems through the project lifecycle. His primary focus is to ensure that systems deliver optimal comfort, energy efficiency, and performance in alignment with project goals and standards.

Since 2012, F&T’s co-op program has introduced students to the MEP/FP consulting industry through hands-on learning and professional development. The program gives students an inside look at the field while helping them gain real-world experience to prepare for post-graduate employment. Ryan’s story is a great example of how the co-op experience can lead to long-term growth. After completing two co-op rotations at F&T, he joined the team as a Mechanical Designer!

Q&A

CAREER PATH & EXPERIENCE

What motivated you to apply for the co-op program at our firm? 

I had seen F&T at many Wentworth Co-op fairs and knew that they were a leader in the MEP/FP consulting industry, and that having the chance to work here would help me learn from experienced engineers and build the professional skills needed for my future career.  

 

What were your expectations going into the co-op, and how did the experience compare? 

Going into my first Co-op at F&T, I expected to learn a lot about an industry I knew little about. My expectations were exceeded, as everyone here genuinely wanted me to learn as much as possible. As I improved my skillset, I was given more responsibilities, and I felt that I was making an impact on each project I was a part of.  

What kind of projects or responsibilities did you work on as a co-op? 

I completed two co-ops at F&T: Project Management and HVAC Engineering. As a PM co-op, I helped create budget report plans, project proposals and charters. I also helped coordinate both internal and external meetings. In HVAC, my role was to work with engineers to learn about duct and piping design. This was done primarily through Revit, a BIM software that is instrumental in the design process. I also worked on drawing markups, load calculations and collaborated with other trades. 

LEARNING & GROWTH

What skills or lessons from your co-op experience have been most valuable in your full-time role? 

The main takeaway from my co-op experience was that I was there to learn, and what you get from the experience is correlated to how much work you put in.  

Did you have mentors or colleagues who influenced your growth during the co-op? 

During both of my co-ops I had excellent mentors who cared about my development. Everyone from both the PM and Engineering departments wanted to help, and were available for any questions I had.  

TRANSITION TO FULL TIME

What made you decide to stay with us after graduation? 

The people. Everyone at F&T has been so welcoming and has been a friend since the first day I started.  

How did the transition from co-op to full-time employee feel? (smooth, challenging, exciting, etc.) 

The transition from co-op to full-time was very smooth. After about 8 months of time here between both of my co-ops, I felt I had a strong understanding of the company’s standards, workflows, and culture.  

ADVICE & REFLECTIONS

What advice would you give to incoming co-ops to make the most of their experience? 

The biggest advice I would give to future co-ops is not to be afraid to ask questions. The main goal of your time here as a co-op is to learn, so be a sponge and take notes. Take advantage of the experience of those around you, because everyone is willing to help if you show the initiative. The more engaged you are, the more you will get out of the experience.  

Looking back, what was your favorite memory or proudest moment as a co-op? 

My favorite memory was my last day of my first co-op, which coincided with the company holiday party. It was a great way to wrap up the semester – sharing complimentary food and drinks, thanking everyone who had supported me, and celebrating with the team. I look forward to many more company outings in the future! 

Curious about our Co-Op program and the talented people who've transition to full-time roles? Click here to learn more.