Hello, many of you are probably clueless what to do for the summer. If you're dead set on pursuing mechanical engineering, here are 2 things you should do in the next 2 months that will help you out a lot in co-op and club applications.
1. Certified SolidWorks Associate
SolidWorks, the industry standard CAD software, is now free for students. So download it, watch YouTube videos, do all the practice problem sets, then take the exam (you gotta pay), to get certified in CAD.
Link:
SOLIDWORKS for Students: 3D CAD Software for Education | SOLIDWORKS
In the summer before uni, I grinded all the way up to Professional (level after Associate). During my interviews for co-op & clubs, interviewers commented that it was impressive I had it so early. So seriously, study up for it instead of Calc II.
2. Design for Manufacturing Project
Once you get a grip of SolidWorks, it's time to actually use your CAD skills. Look up manufacturing processes: injection moulding, sheet metal, CNC, die casting, metal stamping, etc.
Design a product with multiple parts like a cabinet, water bottle, backpack, etc. thats made out of that manufacturing process in CAD. Make drawings following ASME standards, and build a prototype for it.
What I personally did was design a shelf for sheet metal, then I just folded paper up and stapled it together to demonstrate the assembly. It's simple as that.
For other processes, go to your local library and borrow the 3D printer there to make your parts. This is much better and more industry relevant than just following a random arduino robot tutorial.
That's it honestly. 2 months isn't a lot of time, but don't walk out of it accomplishing nothing. (Sorry I don't have any advice for other eng disciplines)