Unlock your future with the KEY to your success... Co-op

Georgia Institute of Technology Cooperative Division

Find us on the “Hill” If you are facing Tech Tower, we are the building on your left Savant Building – Ground floor Corner of Ferst and Cherry St. (The Stinger bus stops here.)

Co-op advisors by major  Aerospace Engineering – Debbie Pearson  Building Construction – Wayne Thompson  Biology – Sabrina Hall  Chemical Engineering – Harold Simmons  Chemistry – Sabrina Hall  Civil Engineering – Wayne Thompson  Computer Engineering (A-L) – Tina Payne  Computer Engineering (M-Z) – Bob James

Co-op advisors by major  Computer Science – Sabrina Hall  Earth & Atmospheric Sci. – Sabrina Hall  Economics – Bob James  Electrical Engineering (A-L) – Tina Payne  Electrical Engineering (M-Z) – Bob James  Industrial Design – Bob James  Industrial & Systems Eng. – Lisa Jones  International Affairs – Ken Little

Co-op advisors by major  Management – Lisa Jones  Materials Engineering – Harold Simmons  Mathematics – Sabrina Hall  Mechanical Eng. (A-L) – Wayne Thompson  Mechanical Eng. (M-Z) – Debbie Pearson  Nuclear & Rad. Eng. – Debbie Pearson  Physics – Sabrina Hall

Co-op advisors by major  Polymer & Textile Chemistry – Tina Payne  Science, Tech. & Culture – Bob James  Textile Engineering – Tina Payne  Textiles – Tina Payne  Undecided College of Sci. – Sabrina Hall  Undecided Ivan Allen College – B. James  Undecided Engineering. – Ken Little  International Placements – Ken Little

What is Co-op?  The Co-op program at Georgia Tech is a five year academic program that combines classroom study with real world experience.  Alternating school and work semesters lead to an academic Co-op degree in your major.

Co-op organizations  Co-op Club  Briaerean Society  SGA positions for Co-op representatives

Beginning the Co-op program  Meet with your Co-op advisor each term  Maintain a strong GPA  Begin clarifying your career goals and possible companies of interest

The semester before you work  Attend an Interview Tips Workshop  Meet with your advisor early in the term and keep in touch regularly during your job search

Qualifying to go to work  Maintain good academic standing  Minimum 2.00 GPA and no F’s during the term prior to first work term  Take a full course load during school term prior to first work term (Summer term is an exception.)

Typical Co-op alternation schedule An entering Freshman who starts work the Summer after two school semesters – Requires 5 work terms

Typical Co-op alternation schedule Starting work Fall term after two school semesters and the Summer term off – Requires 5 work terms

Typical Co-op alternation schedule Sophomores going to work Fall term after three semesters of school – Requires 4 work terms

Typical Co-op alternation schedule Sophomores starting work Spring term after three school semesters – Requires 4 work terms

Note: No changes are permitted to your alternation schedule without prior written approval from your Co-op advisor.

Work locations  Your hometown  Atlanta  Outside Atlanta  International assignments

International Co-op opportunities  Earn a degree with an International Co-op designation  Learn and use a second language  Work in a non-English speaking culture

Co-op Resumes and Transcripts  Access web registration and resume at or link from Georgia Tech Co-op page  Import your resume using Microsoft Word  OR use the online resume writer  Request an official transcript  Copy transcripts for your Co-op advisor and for your interviews

Reviewing Co-op opportunities  Meet with your advisor for resume and registration review  Access job information at  ‘Recruiting’ provides job interviews and company information sessions  ‘Job List’ provides direct resume referrals

Role of your Co-op advisor  Review resume and registration information  Advise you about available company research  Offer guidance during your job search  Explore your status with potential employers  Discuss your second interviews and job offers  Complete co-op paperwork upon acceptance  Monitor your work and academic progress throughout your Co-op career

Interview tips  Research the prospective employer  Review major points you wish to emphasize  Identify relevant questions to ask  Dress professionally  Be early  Communicate effectively  Follow-up after the interview

Accepting a job offer  Write an acceptance letter  Cancel other scheduled interviews  Meet with your Co-op advisor to discuss offer and acceptance letters  Sign alternation schedule  Advisor assigns registration permit  Register for the appropriate Co-op course

Items to discuss after accepting an offer:  Co-op assignment record  Work reports  Housing department status  Financial aid status  Parking  Address changes

Employer expectations  Regular and punctual attendance  Enthusiasm and productivity  Professional conduct and dress  Communication with supervisor if concerns or questions arise

Frequently asked questions  Can I change jobs?  Can I find my own job?  Can I take off a semester?  Can I participate in Study Abroad?  Can I take a course during my work term?  Can I live on campus while working?

Frequently asked questions  Do I pay tuition for the Co-op course?  Can I be dropped for academic reasons?  If I work outside Atlanta, will my employer locate housing for me?  What if I change my mind about participating in Co-op or cannot find a job?  How are salaries determined?  How long is a work term?

Orientation documents to be completed  Statement of Understanding - Complete the last page of your Co-op Handbook - Tear it out - Pass it to the aisle  Blue Card = Proof of Attendance - PRINT information on the card - Pass it to the aisle

Orientation review

Questions?