Coops
From Unofficial Guide to Engineering
A co-op is similar to an internship, but it is an extended full-time hire for six to seven months. A spring co-op usually goes from January until the end of summer. A fall co-op takes places from the beginning of summer until December. The goal of any co-op is to expand your professional development, to learn from the sponsoring company, and to be able to contribute. As a co-op (or even intern), you should take the opportunity to network with your co-workers and managers as well as to explore the company as a potential employer after graduation.
Many larger companies will invest a significant time and interest in their co-ops. For companies that require relocation, housing or relocation compensation may be provided. Mentoring programs or even networking/social activities are usually available.
As a full-time hire with a company, a co-op offers many opportunities that an internship cannot. With almost any internship or new job, it takes a few weeks to a month to become adjusted to the work environment, assignments, and responsibilities. After this adjustment period, as an intern, there may not be sufficient time to perform or complete all tasks. A co-op, however, is generally given the same responsibilities as a full-time employee. A work period of six or seven months allows for more learning and is usually enough to make significant progress on or to complete a project. The exact structure of a co-op varies depending on the company and its goal for the co-op. You may have the opportunity to observe or shadow other aspects of the company or other departments, but for most, a co-op is expected to devote most of their time to the specific job or assignments given.
Applying for a co-op is similar to applying for a full-time job or internship. In addition to submitting a resume, expect to be interviewed over the phone, in-person, and/or on-site. Often, at career fairs, many smaller companies will only have internship programs available. With larger companies, however, recruiters may only mention the internship program even if a co-op program does exist. It does not hurt to ask if there is a co-op program. A co-op, however, does come with additional considerations, such as relocating, taking leave for a semester, and rescheduling classes or even pushing back your graduation date. In some situations, co-ops are able to take online classes or classes at a local university while working, but often, the class loads for the following semesters will still be affected. Please consult your academic advisor before accepting a co-op.
