Student Guide to Engineering Co-op

What Is Cooperative Education?
Cooperative education or "co-op" at Rutgers is a program that allows you to work for an employer for six months while receiving academic credits and a competitive salary. Co-op is typically performed the second semester of your junior year or either semester of your senior year.

What Are the Benefits of Co-op?
In addition to earning money, you will also be gaining significant career- related experience, which will help you in obtaining a full-time job after graduation. A co-op position will allow you to become more deeply involved in projects compared to an internship. In many cases, your chances of receiving an eventual full-time job offer from your employer are very good.

How Do I Begin the Co-op Process?
Contact the Career Services Office located in the Busch Campus Center at 732-445-6127 ext. 0.

How Do Students Obtain Co-op Positions?
The Office of Career Services assists students in securing co-op positions. Career Services utilizes an Internet-based on-campus interviewing program that enables students to review employer co-op descriptions, submit resumes and schedule interviews online. Once interviews are scheduled, employer representatives will conduct interviews at the Career Services Career and Interview Center in the Busch Campus Center unless otherwise specified.

Who Is Eligible To Participate in Co-op?
You must be a School of Engineering student who is a junior or senior. You must also check with your academic department to determine if you meet the GPA requirement (usually a 2.5).

Do I Receive Academic Credit?
You will receive six credits after successfully completing your co-op experience. You must check with your academic department to determine how your credits will be distributed.

Do I Get Paid By My Co-op Employer?
You will be paid a competitive salary by the co-op employer. Salaries vary depending on the employer and the position.

Do I Receive a Grade For Co-op?
You must complete a learning contract with your faculty co-op advisor. You will be graded on a pass/no credit basis.

When Do Co-op Assignments Take Place?

How Does Co-op Affect My Graduation?
The six-month co-op experience will usually require that you spend an additional semester or year at Rutgers, depending on your major.

What Are Co-op Positions Like?
Co-op positions must (a) relate directly to your major and/or career goals; and (b) provide new and appropriate work responsibilities that advance your knowledge and skills in your field.

Where Are Positions Located and Where Do Co-op Students Live?
Many co-op positions are within commuting distance from campus. There are also positions outside of the area. Students can live on campus, at home, or relocate near their co-op assignment. Employers may help students obtain housing.

Can I Take Classes While On Co-op?
Taking additional courses must be approved by the associate dean.

Can International Students Participate in Co-op?
International students possessing a valid F-1 visa are eligible to participate in co-op. You must check with the Center for International Faculty and Student Services at 180 College Avenue to find out what you need to do.

What Do I Do When I Receive A Co-op Offer?
Notify Career Services and the Associate Dean's office of all offers, including acceptances or rejections as soon as possible.

Am I Guaranteed a Co-op Position?
While every attempt is made to place each student, placement can not be guaranteed.

For Application Information:	For Academic Information:
TBA	Fred Bernath
Assistant Director	Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Career Services Career and Interview Center	School of Engineering
Busch Campus Center	Building Room B100
(732) 445-6127	(732) 445-2212

Updated: 7/20/04

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