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Internships & Co-ops: FAQs

1. What is a CO-OP?

   A CO-OP is a structured work experience taken during the undergraduate years. The School of Engineering has invited companies to make semester long employment opportunities available to qualified students. The companies present a job description and contact information and interested students are encouraged to apply. Since the CO-OP is typically involves a 40 hour work week the student can not enroll in classes for that semester and maintains his/her full-time student status by enrolling through Career Services and paying a $45 fee. While the semester working as a CO-OP will interrupt the student’s academic schedule most departments have configured required course work to allow for graduation in 4 years by utilizing summer school if the CO-OP is taken in the spring semester of the sophomore years.

2. What is a summer internship?

   A summer internship is a job for the student that begins following the spring semester final exams and ends prior to the beginning of the fall semester, typically May 10 to August 20. The School of Engineering has actively sought companies to provide summer internships and the student is encouraged to apply though the listed contact points if interested.

3. What is part-time employment?

   Part-time employment is defined as any employment not being a semester co-op or a summer internship. This may include but is not restricted to employment during the week of the academic year or during vacations such as semester break and continuing through the summer.

4. What is the best time for a semester co-op?

   While each company may have their own requirements for completed course work usually a student having completed his/her sophomore year either by the standard four semesters or by utilizing summer school has enough technical background to be of interest as a co-op. Some companies may prefer completion of the junior year or knowledge of a particular software program to fit their needs.

5. How do I get started?

   Students should periodically review the posted jobs to see what is available. Upon finding an interesting job, the student should go to the company’s web site (Google if it is not given on the job posting) and become familiar with the companies business and products. The student should then e-mail a resume to the contact person attached to a cover letter expressing an interest in the position the company is offering. If the company makes an on-campus visit, in addition to sending a resume to the contact person, the student should plan on meeting the company representative and discussing the specific job of interest. Remember, first impressions are very important. Knowing about the company shows you have invested time in your search and have a serious interest in the getting the job.