CO-OP/internship ONLINE INFORMATION NOTE: This information serves as a resource. Students are still required to attend the Co-op orientation at the CDC.

WHAT IS a CO- OP/internship? Cooperative Education (Co-op)/Internship provides a mutually beneficial relationship among an organization, an educational institution, and a student. In this relationship, students combine academic study with periods of career-related, paid work experience in business, government, or not-for- profit agencies under the supervision of the employer.

Why Participate in the Co-op/internship Program ? Apply classroom knowledge and gain valuable work experience Earn elective credit toward your degree Great resume material Build your professional network and gain the competitive edge. Experience matters! Earn money for college expenses

BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM Gives official transcript recognition Provides access to state-of-the art techniques and equipment Applies classroom theory to a realist work setting Clarifies career goals Develops professional relationships Prepares students for full-time employment upon graduation

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CO-OP AND INTERNSHIP Co-op Internships PAY!!! Co-op is always paid Co-op requires at least two semesters Co-op is longer in time which provides students with more training experience Internships can be paid or unpaid Internships require one semester Students enrolled in any school/college other than the School of Business can receive transcript recognition through our office, but must gain course credit through their respective departments

TYPES OF CO-OP Alternating Parallel Students work full-time every other semester, alternating between full-time work assignments and full-time enrollment in school Students work part-time year round while attending school full-time NOTE: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for International Students

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA Co-op Companies and positions must be approved by the CDC Positions must be paid and in the major field of study or career path Employer must be willing to retain student for at least two semesters Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 for undergraduate level and 3.0 for graduate level Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours completed to be eligible

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA Internship Companies and positions must be approved by the CDC Positions can be paid or unpaid in the major field of study or career path Employer must be willing to retain student for at least one semester Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 for undergraduate level and 3.0 for graduate level Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours completed to be eligible

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS Allowed to do either Co-op and Internship Must have eligibility letter from International Student Services (ISS) Must be in the country for 9 months or 2 terms Allowed to do only one semester of Co-op

How Do I Participate in Co-op? Register with the Career Development Center’s (CDC) Cougar Jobline Schedule an appointment for a resume critique with the (618) RSVP online for Co-op Orientation through your student profile Go to Cougar Jobline to view jobs Contact CDC to be referred for a job Interview with employers ( interviews are very competitive )

How Do I Participate in internships? Register with the Career Development Center’s (CDC) Cougar Jobline Schedule an appointment for a resume critique with the (618) RSVP online for Co-op Orientation through your student profile Go to Cougar Jobline to view internships Apply for internships directly to company Interview with employers ( interviews are very competitive )