Online orientation
Section 1
Defining Co-op
1.1 General Information
The Engineering Co-op Program can help you connect with employers seeking to fill full-time temporary (three to six months+ in length) technical positions. All positions posted through eRecruiting are guaranteed to be at least 50% engineering work related. All jobs require that you still perform routine non-technical tasks, however, those tasks will not be the bulk of your responsibilities. All Co-op positions are paid and earn academic credit. Co-op students are discouraged from enrolling in academic courses during the work term unless you are on a part-time Co-op.
1.2 Length of Work Terms
Three months is the minimum length for a Co-op assignment. Three-month positions most often happen during Summer Quarter, but can take place any academic quarter. We recommend a six-month work term. Students may also do a part-time Co-op (20 hours or less), but must be at least three months in length.
Most employers prefer to hire students for six months for practical reasons (but this is not required). The first three months of a work assignment usually consists of training. There is much to learn! The second part of the six month work term tends to be when you are most productive and the company receives a return on the investment in you!
Co-op assignments may be extended for longer periods of time, for example, a nine-month assignment. If you wish to work longer than six months, permission must be secured from your academic advisor. In general, students are encouraged to inform their advisor that they have received a Co-op.
1.3 Co-op vs. Intern
Many employers use the words "Co-op" and "intern" inter-changeably. In many cases significant projects are assigned to the student with the longer work term. Internships tend to be shorter in length and do not always earn credit. An internship is typically part-time during the school year or full-time for summer only. The content of your work assignment is not guaranteed for internships. Not all internships pay, so read the job description carefully. Co-op jobs always pay, the work is always full-time, and at least 50% of your duties are guaranteed to be engineering related.
1.4 Am I Qualified for Co-op Jobs?
Co-op jobs are intended to give you a "taste" of what it is like to be an engineer. Employers understand and expect that this may be your first engineering job. Employers are looking for well-rounded candidates who have done well academically (usually a 3.0 GPA or better), have a solid foundation in science (thus the prerequisites to get into the program) and have some work or volunteer experience. Most students applying for Co-op jobs do not have any technical experience. Typical work history prior to Co-op experiences for students might include: computer lab assistant, math tutor, resident assistant, leadership role in a student organization. The purpose of Co-op is to help you gain technical experience.
Employers typically list the skills they desire in candidates. An employer may list five desired skills in a job description. If you have two or three of the skills listed you should apply for the position. Please give the employer a chance to review your qualifications - submit your application!
International students can participate in Co-op through "Curricular Practical Training (CPT)." Participating in Co-op and utilizing CPT preserves your twelve months (12) of "Optional Practical Training (OPT)." Please see the International Student guidelines posted on the Co-op web site for more details.
1.5 Benefits
There are numerous benefits to participating in Co-op. Gaining "hands on" experience allows you to explore career fields and determine if you want to continue on that path. The practical work experience helps you learn more about engineering and looks great on your resume. Many employers have stated that if they are deciding between two candidates they always choose the candidate with practical work experience. Your Co-op time is an excellent opportunity to observe the company and determine how well you fit into the organization. Companies also use this time to check you out and observe your work habits and interactions with others.
While on co-op you are considered a "full-time Student in Training" and retain your place in your department and at the University.
