FAQ » Engineering Co-op

Will employers be interested in me, even though I don't have any experience?

Employers understand you are a student. They do not expect you to have in-depth technical knowledge before you begin a Co-op assignment. Employers do want someone with a good academic record who has some basic technical knowledge gathered through the introductory classes. Employers are interested in any type of job you've held before - even if it is not engineering or technical. Other things employers look at include the types of classes you've taken, extracurricular activities, communication skills and leadership abilities. Remember that most students applying for Co-op jobs do not have technical experience yet. Students participate in Co-op to gain technical experience.

I have not completed the minimum requirements for Co-op. Can I start looking for a Co-op job now?

You are not able to apply for jobs until you meet the minimum requirements, however, you are encouraged to set up an acount allowing you to browse for jobs. You will have browse-only access until you meet the following requirements: enrolled in or have taken Math 126 and either Physics 121 or Chem 142. Once this has been met, you will receive full access and can apply for jobs.

I am graduating next quarter. Can I look for a Co-op job that will start right after I graduate?

No. After working, all Co-op students must return to campus for a minimum of one quarter to continue academic studies. One of the founding principles of cooperative education is that you return to your academic studies and have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

I want to find a co-op job that starts Spring Quarter. When do I need to start applying for jobs?

Most students find that it takes one to two quarters to find a job. We recommend that you start two quarters (six months) in advance. For example, if you want to start working Spring Quarter (March) you need to become active with the Co-op Program in October (start of Autumn Quarter). Remember, you need to obtain an account to apply for jobs.

I'm not an engineering major. Can I still participate?

It depends. We work with engineering and engineering-related majors, such as Technical Communication, Computer Science, Pre-Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Pulp and Paper Science. Other Arts and Science majors (such as Business, Art, Language Specialists, etc.) may utilize the Center for Career Services, the Carlson Leadership Office, and department specific programs.

I'm an International Student (F-1 Visa). Can I be authorized to work at a company?

Generally students with F-1 Visas may be authorized to work at a company. You must complete some paperwork through the Co-op Program. Not all employers have hired international Co-op students before. The Co-op Program and the International Services Office are available to explain the process to employers. For further information, please view the ISO Policy. This policy applies to both undergraduates and graduate students.

I'm a transfer student. When can I join Co-op?

You will be eligible to apply for jobs as soon as you have established a GPA at the UW at the end of your first quarter on-campus. It is important that you have a smooth transition to the UW and focus on your academic coursework your first quarter.

I've already graduated. Can I apply for Co-ops?

If you will be attending the UW for graduate school, and can verify this with the Co-op office, then you are generally eligible to apply for Co-ops. Otherwise, you are not eligible to apply for Co-ops.

What do I do once I accept a job offer for a Co-op?

Once you have accepted a job offer, contact the Co-op office. You will need to be registered with the Program and attend a Pre-work Meeting. This is a meeting with a Co-op staff member in which we register you for Co-op, explain your Co-op course requirements, and make sure everything is set before you start your Co-op. Many employers also notify the Co-op office directly.

When do we meet for Pre-work?

Your Pre-work Meeting should take place a few weeks before your Co-op starts. If you find a job far in advance and have informed the Co-op office, we will contact you when it is time to schedule your Pre-work Meeting. Call 206-543-1770 or email engrcoop@u.washington.edu to schedule your pre-work meeting.

What do I do if I find a job after the start of the quarter?

The Co-op office encourages employers to mirror the start of the quarter for Co-op start dates, however we also understand that some students receive job offers after the start of a quarter. Generally, it is acceptable as long as your job starts by the end of the fourth week of an academic quarter. The Co-op office can assist you with dropping your classes. If you drop classes yourself, you will be responsible for late and partial tuition fees.

What do I do if I find a job on my own and want to make it a Co-op?

If you find a job on your own with no assistance from the Co-op office, it is your choice to register it as a Co-op. There are numerous benefits for registering your Co-op experience. If you need assistance deciding whether or not to register a job as a Co-op, you may get input from the Co-op Program, your academic advisor and your employer. You will need to provide a job description verifying that your position is at least 50% engineering related and attend a Pre-work meeting.

What questions should I ask my employer once I arrive at work?

Your employer may or may not schedule you for an official new employee orientation. Either way, your basic questions should include: your work schedule, your assigned supervisor and/or mentor, specific assignments, policies regarding overtime, dress policy, sick leave and other benefits.

Can I take classes while on a full-time Co-op?

A few students choose to take one class while working full-time. The Co-op office recommends that you consider carefully before signing up for classes. Managing a full-time job is quite a responsibility and often takes more energy than you think. Please discuss plans to take a course with your supervisor to make sure you can handle the demands of work and class. Signing up for additional coursework is your responsibility. You will pay the Co-op fee and tuition for any additional courses.

Once I start my job, am I on my own?

No. Your available resources are your Work Supervisor, the Human Resources office at your company, your Academic Advisor, and the Engineering Co-op staff. The Co-op office can help you resolve any issues that come up with outside agencies or other UW offices, in addition to concerns regarding your workplace. If you have any questions or concerns that arise, it is your responsibility to seek assistance.

What is the Co-op Service Fee and why do I have to pay it?

If you get a job and register as a Co-op student, you will not have to pay tuition for the quarters that you are working. Instead you will be charged the Co-op Service Fee. The fee supports the functioning of the Co-op Program, which is a financially self-supporting organization. The Co-op fee is different for graduate or undergraduate students and working full or part-time work.

What do I have to complete while on my Co-op? And after it's over?

You will complete one objectiveRereport report. if on a three-month Co-op and 2 objective report on a 6-month Co-op (these are submitted while you are on your Co-op). The Co-op report and online student evaluation are due the first Friday of the quarter you return back from your Co-op and you will also participate in a poster symposium in mid-quarter. They are: Co-op Report and Student Evaluation. Click here to view report guidelines.

What if I'm working part-time?

If you are working part-time, you are registered in one credit of ENGR 321 (Co-op) each quarter you work. If you are an Undergraduate, in order to be considered a full time student, you must be enrolled in 11 additional credits, for a total of at least 12 credits. If you are a Graduate student, you must be enrolled in 9 additional credits, for a total of at least 10 cedits.

Am I still eligible for financial aid and student loans?

If you are on a full-time Co-op, and are registered for 2 ENGR 321 credits of Co-op, you maintain your full-time student status and generally remain eligible for most of your financial aid. Contact the Student Financial Aid Office for specifics regarding your financial aid package. If you need any letters sent to loan companies, or other financial aid institutions, confirming that you're a full-time student, please contact the Co-op Program. We write letters upon request.

Can I still live in Student Housing or University Apartments while on Co-op?

Generally, yes. You need to ask the Co-op Program to write a letter to the Housing Office confirming you are a full-time student. You would then need to follow up with the Housing Office regarding any necessary paperwork. If you are working out of state, you can generally receive priority retention if you wish to return to Student Housing or University Apartments when you come back from Co-op. Priority retention is generally only allowed for residence halls.

I'm working outside of Seattle. Where can I live?

Housing is your responsibility. Some employers can provide information on housing and assist you in locating housing near your workplace. The Co-op office can connect you with other students currently working in that area, who may be able to provide suggestions. Keep in mind cost of living expenses (food, transportation, utilities) when figuring your housing budget.

Can I still purchase UW Student Insurance while I'm on Co-op?

Yes, you can. Generally, the Co-op office would need to sign you up for Student Insurance at your request. Details are provided at the Pre-work Meeting.

The Co-op Program requires that I write reports about my Co-op experience, but my projects are confidential? How do I write the reports?

The Co-op Program respects the fact that some Co-op students are working on confidential assignments. Co-op students must still complete the Co-op assignments to the best of their ability. Employers will discuss with you what is called a non-disclosure agreement as well as other confidentiality issues. If everything that you're working on is confidential, you need to choose a related topic to research and write about. For example, if you are working on confidential research on a new product, for your Co-op Report you can write about a computer application you have learned how to use, without writing specifics about the new product.

Does my Employer have to complete any paperwork while I'm on my co-op?

Your supervisor is responsible for reviewing and signing your Objective Report and provides a progress report. Your supervisor also completes an Employer Evaluation. The Co-op office sends the Employer Evaluation to the supervisor you specify on your Objective Report. If your supervisor does not receive the evaluation, please contact the Co-op office and we will either mail or fax one to you.

Can other students or employers see my Student and Employer Evaluations?

If you give permission, we will place a copy of your Student Evaluation in the Student Evaluation binders in our office. These are alphabetical by company and a resource for students researching companies. The Employer Evaluation remains confidential, is only placed in your file, and is not available for other students to see.

Do the co-op credits count toward my degree?

Up to 4 Credits of ENGR 321 may count toward degree requirements for Undergraduates. Each academic department determines how these credits count. For specifics, contact your advisor.

Am I still considered a full-time student?

If you are working on a full-time Co-op you are considered a full-time student by the UW. You are registered in 2CR of ENGR 321 (Co-op) each quarter. Your department will retain you and not consider you withdrawn.

Will I still receive TA/RA Insurance while on co-op?

Your academic department has details about TA/RA Insurance. The Co-op office is not involved in that type of insurance. There is also a Graduate Student Insurance Office which can answer your questions.

What is a letter of verification?

This is an official letter provided by the Co-op Program which verifies your full-time student status. Letters of verification can be sent to providers of scholarships or other financial aid, insurance companies (medical, car), student housing, or any other place at your request. A copy of a letter is kept in your file. The Co-op office can verify your full-time student status for each quarter you are on co-op. For non-coop quarters, you must contact your academic department for full-time status verification.

Will my co-op employer pay my co-op fee?

An employer may choose to reimburse a student's co-op fee. Employers are not required to do so. Co-op students may ask their employer about this benefit. The Co-op student is responsible for making sure that the co-op fee is paid by tuition deadline.

Will my co-op employer provide other benefits?

Co-op employers are only required to pay you an hourly wage and are not required to provide other benefits, such as medical insurance, vacation days, sick leave, transportation reimbursement, relocation compensation, gym memberships, etc. Some of these benefits may be part of the compensation package an employer offers you, and may be something to keep in mind if you are comparing co-op offers from multiple companies.

ENGR 321 has meeting times on my schedule? Why?

There are no meeting times for ENGR 321. The times on your schedule are set according to University guidelines. The Co-op office will fully inform you of any and all requirements in advance.

Do I have to pay taxes while on co-op?

Yes, you are required to pay taxes while on co-op. The only exception is for international students. According to U.S. Tax Code 3121(b)(19), if you have an F-1 Visa, and have been in the U.S. for less than 5 years, you are not required to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. Your I-20 form is proof of your status.

How do I register for classes when I return to campus?

Register as you normally do. Keep the registration deadlines in mind. These are available on the UW webpage for your reference. Consult with your advisor for course planning and add codes.

What if I am laid off or fired?

Contact the Co-op Program immediately and we will do our best to assist you. You are an employee of the company and subject to that company's policies and procedures. A Co-op employer does have the right to terminate you based on factors of their choice. If you or your employer sense there is a problem, it is important to focus on good communication, and to make necessary adjustments before termination becomes necessary. Contact the Co-op Program at any point regarding issues surrounding employment, meeting an employer's expectations, and any challenges which arise. This situation has proven to be extremely rare.

What do I do if I want to extend my work experience?

Contact the co-op office as soon as you know. If you are an Undergraduate and wish to work beyond 6 months, we will require an e-mailed approval from your academic advisor. This assures that you have discussed your plans with your advisor and that co-op continues to fit into your course of study. You should always discuss your plans with your academic advisor, but co-op only needs the official approval if it you wish to work more than 2 quarters of co-op in a row. If you are a Graduate student, the co-op office requires e-mailed approval from your advisor for each quarter you are working.

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