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Introduction | Getting Started | Course Requirements
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Introduction

What is Co-op

Co-op is short for Cooperative Education. Co-op is a learning strategy that allows students to apply theoretical classroom knowledge to practical work experiences. Co-op is unique because it is a structured academic program administered through the College of Engineering and supported by the university.

Co-op is…

Eligibility Requirements

Only UW Seattle Campus Students are eligible to participate at this time.

To be eligible to apply for Co-op positions, you must meet the requirements below. If you have not yet met these requirements, you are still encouraged to set up an account and you will receive limited access until requirements are met.

To set-up your eRecruiting account, complete the on-line orientation

Intern vs. Co-op

Co-op positions tend to be longer and more structured than internship positions. The majority of students work full time for six months, but can range from three months to one year. Employers may use the words "intern" and "Co-op" interchangeably. Co-op is guaranteed to be an engineering-related work experience where the student is practicing engineering principles. Students may begin a Co-op assignment during any academic quarter (Autumn, Winter, Spring, or Summer). All Co-op experiences earn credit and participants maintain student-status at the University of Washington. In addition, all Co-op positions are paid.

Employers and students report greater satisfaction with the experience when the work term is six months in length. The learning curve often takes two to three months. Students are often significantly more productive in the second three months that they are on a Co-op assignment. Many students have reported frustration at needing to end the work experience just as they "got it" when on a shorter than six month work experience.

Internships tend to be a shorter time commitment than Co-op positions. Internships are typically part-time while you go to school or full-time during the summer.

Turning Position into Co-op for Credit

If you find an internship/Co-op position on your own, you can turn this position into a Co-op for credit as long as it meets the minimum requirements: 50% engineering related, at least 3 months in length, and paid. If you are interested in receiving credit for your postion, contact Co-op at 206-543-1770 or email coop@engr.washington.edu

Benefits

There are numerous benefits to participating in the Co-op Program. Through the integration of study and work experience, you can enhance your academic knowledge and professional preparation. These experiences increase your marketability upon graduation.

Students benefit because Co-op can:

As a co-op participant you are considered a "full-time student in training", which offers the following benefits:

Is Co-Op Worth It? Quotes From Students And Employers

"The experience was everything that I had hoped it would be and more. I now have the opportunity for future employment at this company and the skills demanded to go elsewhere."
—co-op student at Boston Scientific Corporation

"My co-op experience has been a very useful tool in my continual growth as an engineer."
—co-cop student at PICCO

"My supervisor made sure I felt that my accomplishments were meaningful to the company. Full-timers showed an interest in my duties and treated me like a valued employee."
—co-op student at The Dow Chemical Company

"We have been using the resources of the Engineering Co-op Program for many years. They present us with a pre-qualified pool of candidates. This allows us to effectively use our interview time to determine the best possible match."
—Director of Hardware Development, Siemens Information & Communication Networks, Inc.

"We have had great success having students come down to our manufacturing plant. The two original co-ops who came to our site in the late '80s now sit on the Plant's Leadership Team. They are among the best and brightest stars of the company."
—Human Resources, BBA Nonwovens Washougal, Inc.

International Students

Co-op as "Curricular Practical Training" for Students with F-1 Visas

If you are a student with an F-1 Visa, you must receive official work authorization from the International Student & Scholars Office (ISS) in order to work at a paid position outside of the UW.

Print Check-list for Steps to Receive Work Authorization!

Steps to follow to receive your work authorization through ISS and the Co-op Office:

  1. Position received must be at least 50% engineering related, paid, and a minimum of three months in length.
  2. Complete the Co-op on-line orientation. Complete your profile in eRecruiting.
  3. Have your ISS work authorization request form completed and signed by your academic advisor or graduate program faculty/staff coordinator.
  4. Contact the Engineering Co-op program office to set up a pre-work meeting by calling 206-543-1770 or email coop@engr.washington.edu
  5. Bring the following documents with you to your pre-work meeting: Completed ISS request form, job offer letter (to include start and end dates), and job description.
  6. At the pre-work meeting, Co-op will write you a letter to take to the ISS office. The Co-op office will also discuss registration and Co-op related requirements.
  7. Bring supporting letter written by Co-op along with your ISS Request Form to the ISS Office.
  8. NOTE: It can take up to 10 working days to process your CPT request by the ISO Office. Plan ahead.
  9. ISS will email you when your I20 authorization is ready to be picked up. Show this authorization to your Co-op employer. They will make a copy for their records and you will be ready to start work.
  10. You will have academic course requirements and a quarterly fee that students need to pay in order to maintain your status and good standing with ISS for future work authorization.

EXTENDING CPT Work Authorization

  1. If you and your employer decide at some point that you would like to work beyond the dates for which you have been authorized, you must inform the Co-op office at least 3 weeks before your existing work authorization runs out.
  2. You will need to complete another ISS Request for Work Authorization Form and have it signed by your adviser. Your employer will also need to send an email to coop@engr.washington.edu specifying your extension dates as well as the number of hours you will work per week.
  3. The Co-op office will then write an extension letter to the ISS Office. Remember that you cannot work without authorization from the ISS and can only work during the period authorized by ISS and stamped on your I-20.

Medical Insurance for International Students

  1. Please note that all international students must have medical insurance while on Co-op.
  2. If student wants UW Medical Insurance, only the Co-op office is able to register student for UW medical insurance and this must be done by the 7th calendar day of the quarter. Email coop@engr.washington.edu prior to the start of the quarter if you want insurance.
  3. If student is able to obtain insurance from the employer or another outside medical agency, then student must complete medical waiver form and submit to ISS by the 7th calendar day of the quarter.

More information can be found on the International Student & Scholars (ISS)

If you have any questions or concerns about these policies, please contact the Co-op office or call 206-543-1770.

Women and Underrepresented Students

The Engineering Co-op Program works closely with the Minority Scholars Engineering Program (MSEP) and the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) Program to advertise job opportunities to women and underrepresented engineering students. The College of Engineering is committed to promoting diversity in the student body and in the engineering profession.

Engineering Advising & Diversity Center, 301 Loew Hall, 206-543-1770, eadc@u.washington.edu