Co-operative Education (Co-op)

Why Seek a Co-op Position?

Who is Eligible to Participate in Co-op?

	Eligibility Requirements:
	US Citizens / Permanent Residents F1 Visa Holders
How Can I Find a Great Co-op?
	Co-op Enrollment Process:
	US Citizens / Permanent Residents F1 Visa Holders
Academic Policies:
	US Citizens / Permanent Residents IN or IP Grades F1 Visa Holders

Intent to Enroll Form
Co-op Dates & Deadlines
Co-op Student Handbook
Frequently Asked Questions for F-1 Visa Holders

Why Seek a Co-op Position?

     Co-op is a unique program which offers planned, progressively challenging work experience to students in positions related to their career goals. All Co-op positions are paid with a wage that is competitive. Both students and employers who participate in Co-op commit to a work experience for a minimum of 12 weeks so that Co-op students benefit from an intensive, planned work experience that leads to solid skill acquisition. Other benefits of being a Co-op student include:

• the opportunity to test, explore and/or validate your career goals.
• developing solid network contacts that may be instrumental in your future career.
• inclusion of the Co-op experience on your academic record, one which maintains your full-time status with the University should you decide to work full-time during a semester.
• enhance your marketability after graduation, given that more than 75% of employers prefer new college graduates who have completed a career-related work experience.
• earn a competitive wage that can help with the cost of your college education.
• possible gain of an offer of full-time employment with your Co-op employer for after graduation.

Who is Eligible to Participate in Co-op?

	Eligibility Requirements
	US Citizens / Permanent Residents F1 Visa Holders

Next Step
If you determine that you meet eligibility requirements, complete the Intent to Enroll form and proceed with enrollment process.

	Co-op Enrollment Process
	US Citizens / Permanent Residents F1 Visa Holders

How Can I Find a Great Co-op Job?

1. Meet with your career counselor; bring a hard copy of your PatriotJobWeb resume and an updated copy of your transcript to your appointment. Your counselor may offer suggestions to help improve the effectiveness of your resume. There are many methods to find co-op opportunities. Be sure to discuss job search strategies.
2. To look at Co-op jobs, login to PatriotJobWeb, select "Jobs & Internships," select "Co-ops," complete the remaining job search fields, and select "search."
3. Contact the employer directly to apply for a co-op job and send your resume and a cover letter indicating your interest in a specific position.
4. Attend the annual Internship and Job Fairs, sponsored by University Career Services, to talk with employers about Co-op opportunities.
5. Develop strong interviewing skills by attending an Effective Interviewing workshop. View our current workshop schedule to see when this workshop is offered.
6. To get the greatest benefit from your co-op experience identify and develop a set of learning objectives/goals.
7. Know how to evaluate a Co-op offer. Check out the "12 Steps for Evaluating a Co-op/Internship Offer" checklist.

Be persistent and keep in touch with your career counselor! By following these steps and keeping a positive attitude, finding a Co-op position is both possible and rewarding.