Cooperative Education

How to get a Head start on the competition...

Students may elect to incorporate cooperative education (Co-op) as a part of their academic curriculum. Co-op students alternate semesters of employment with semesters of full-time study, that provides both academic knowledge and relevant work experience. A Co-op background is highly regarded by prospective employers; seniors seeking full-time employment with the cooperative education credential are consistently selected over candidates without this major-related experience.

FAQ’s Cooperative Education

What is co-op?

• Academic program
• Alternates semesters of study and major-related employment
• Requires three semesters of employment with one company
• May earn 3 credit hours

Who is eligible?

• Full-time students
• Minimum GPA 2.4
• 30 credit hours completed

Does it delay graduation?

• Yes, graduation may be delayed one semester or one year depending on when you start the position and the number of credits you have earned.

Why would I want to delay graduation?

Upon graduation with cooperative education you have a minimum of 45 weeks of major related experience

• You have a competitive advantage over non-co-op students
• Co-op students tend to start full-time employment at higher salaries
• May earn company benefits from co-op terms
• Earn a competitive salary
• Meet professionals working in your major
• Apply what you learn in the classroom
• Special distinction noted on the diploma and at graduation

How do I find a co-op job?

• Register on www.trinecareers.org
• Download and complete co-op application from document library
• Meet with Co-op Coordinator to review prospective employers
• Attend career fairs, information sessions
• Network with professors, alums, family and friend
• Click Here - Application for co-op employment

Why Co-op?

The work performed was extremely relevant to my engineering education. I was given great opportunities to grow and develop as an engineer on every assignment. The work stretched my skills and knowledge.

Nick Gullette, ME ’10-Duke Energy

I have learned so much just in 4 months. Actually being able to go over blueprints and see how a building is drawn up is great. Also, being put in charge of some projects (with supervision) allows me to learn hands-on how it all works.

Joel Bruskotter, CE ’11, Honda Transmission

Co-op summary with benefits and instructions for finding co-op positions.

Click Here - Co-op Student Summary

Co-op Application Co-op Application for Career Services