How Should a ChemE Major Spend the Summer After Freshman Year?

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SUMMARY

A ChemE major at a state university plans to take an economics course at a local community college and work at a 4-H camp during the summer after their freshman year. They intend to self-study Calculus III and Linear Algebra before taking these courses in the fall. Forum participants suggest that while internships are typically pursued after the sophomore year, reviewing learned material and enjoying the summer are also valid approaches. Additionally, they recommend considering the learning of MATLAB, as it may be beneficial for future coursework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Chemical Engineering fundamentals
  • Familiarity with Calculus III and Linear Algebra concepts
  • Basic knowledge of MATLAB programming
  • Experience with Python and Maple for coursework
NEXT STEPS
  • Research MATLAB programming for engineering applications
  • Explore internship opportunities for sophomore year
  • Review Calculus III and Linear Algebra resources
  • Investigate online courses for economics to supplement learning
USEFUL FOR

Chemical Engineering students, particularly freshmen considering summer activities, and anyone interested in balancing work, study, and relaxation during their academic journey.

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I plan on taking an economics course through my local community college and working at a 4-H camp. I kind of want to have at least one more summer just chilling at home before I do any internships, since I'd have to live at least an hour and a half away from home. I'm a chemE major in a state university. I'd also self-study calc III and linear algebra, then take both classes in the fall.

Is this a bad way to spend the summer? Should I try for an internship?
 
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May I suggest reviewing/applying what you have learned so far? It might prove beneficial in your upcoming classes. Otherwise, relax and enjoy summer (2011).
 
In my experience (one of my majors is via the college of engineering here), companies usually hire after the sophomore year. I would just read a lot, beef up on some of your courses (if you really want/need to) and enjoy yourself.
 
How well do you know Matlab? :wink:
 
I think I will try to get the summer camp job (8-4, 5 days a week) since I don't work during the school year. And it seems like a good idea to review what I learned during the past year.

^matlab, not at all. Should I spend time learning? We mainly use Maple in calculus and Python in physics at my school.
 

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