 |
 |
|
|
Student Guide to Engineering Co-opWhat 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 & 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 Tuition and Financial Aid? Tuition and fees are your responsibility. You are responsible for paying the tuition and fees for six credits during the six-month co-op period. If you are receiving financial aid, you should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine if co-op will affect your aid. 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.
Still Have Questions? Ask a Career Counselor. |
  |
