Chad Harner – Culinary Co-Op

In the workplace, Chad Harner is open, forthcoming, honest and an action taker.  He doesn’t wait for an opportunity to knock, he seeks it out and goes after it!  Chad Harner started the Pathways2Success Cooperative Education program with a job at McDonald’s.  His initial thoughts on his life after graduation were to attend a post-secondary program with a focus on the culinary arts.  Just a few weeks into the first semester of his senior year, Chad made a job change and started working in the East Kitchen at Garden Spot Village where he served food to residents and assisted with kitchen responsibilities.  Through these two jobs, Chad’s excitement for the culinary industry declined.  He just wasn’t passionate about cooking.  Recently Chad applied and interviewed with Advanced Food Products where he will be working in the manufacturing of food products, specifically puddings and cheese sauces.  Although this company produces food, the main focus of the job is in manufacturing.  Chad believes that this career move is an important one because the hourly wage is one where he can begin to support himself financially.  This job move will also allow him to gain additional training and many opportunities for advancement.  The Pathways2Success Cooperative Education program provided Chad with support and opportunities to experience a few jobs first hand before committing to a long-term career.