Cooperative Education Program Guide
Our industry partners agree that the process of applying, interviewing, and accepting a co-op offer is an important part of the experiential learning process and a necessary life skill. These are the ways our students and Shah Center for Engineering Career Development staff work together to make co-op a successful learning experience:
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Complete resume, co-op plan and mock interview assignments in professional development course
- Communicate with co-op director every semester
- Update resume every semester
- Participate in Career EXPOs, send follow-up emails to recruiters, and prepare for interviews Apply for positions weekly and utilize the co-op search site resources that are available, e.g. GradLeaders, Handshake, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Google, and Engineering Jobs
- Check emails daily and respond professionally within one day
- Attend events, including networking opportunities, workshops, and alternative breaks, etc. as much as possible
SHAH CENTER FOR ENGINEERING CAREER DEVELOPMENT RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Co-Teach the professional development courses
- Assist with resume development and preparation
- Conduct mock interviews with students
- Provide networking opportunities with employers such as alternative breaks, company site visits, mixers, etc.
- Plan and execute Career EXPOs each year using Career Fair Plus with hundreds of employers in attendance
- Serve as a liaison (if necessary) between students and co-op employers
- Provide job search resources that will help students see positions
- Email students specific co-op opportunities as soon as available
- Meet regularly to discuss application process, offer strategies and suggestions for maximizing the student's search, introduce students to key contacts, etc.
- Build relationships with potential employers and help industry partners create co-op programs in their business
