<p>I work as a engineering co-op student at a government agency. I have been working there all summer and was planning to work part-time into the fall as I go to classes simultaneously. Lately, I have been wondering if I should stay. I feel under-utilized and I feel like I get mostly mind-numbing grunt work and not enough legit engineering work. I always ask my boss if there is something I can help him on but he has nothing available. I ask other colleagues but it's mostly no too. I was expecting more from this job but it has not met my expectations. </p>
<p>I was wondering if this is a legit reason to quit. I know grunt work is iconic of most student jobs but I just need something more fufilling. Does this make me look bad to my boss? Does this look bad to future employers when I start looking for a full-time job?</p>
<p>It’s a legit reason to quit, but I would stick it out. I’m an intern right now as an incoming 3rd year student…and a lot of it is grunt work too. I’m surprised why they don’t utilize my skills and put me to hard work but i think this is just something that is expected from undergrad workers…I would just stick it out unless you really think you can find something more fulfilling.</p>
<p>That is what all jobs are like.
Don’t quit. It would be a very wrong move.</p>
<p>JamesMadison- can you elaborate why?</p>
<p>no reason to quit unless you have a better opportunity lined up.</p>
<p>Ok, maybe I needed to read more carefully.
If you have agreed to work through fall quarter, you should follow through with your commitment. You may later need these people for references, letters of recommendation, or even a full time position. Don’t burn your bridges because it could really bite you later.</p>
<p>If you feel you can quit in a more graceful way, then “roll the bones”…</p>