THE CO-OP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

WHAT IS CO-OP?

The Co-op and Placement Program provides paid industry experience to undergraduate students in the College of Engineering and Polymer Science.

You will get a feel for working in the industry and have the opportunity to narrow down the type of job you are most interested in with multiple co-op rotations. This will improve your technical and “real world” skills like communication, leadership, and presentation skills, which employers look for in new hires.

Note: The Co-op and Placement Program is not mandatory for all undergraduate students with the exception of students in the Aerospace Systems Engineering program.

WHY CO-OP?

At the end of approximately five years, with a co-op, you are ahead of students who do not choose to co-op because you will have accumulated 12+ months of work experience in your area of professional interest. Also in many cases, you will have already earned seniority, retirement benefits, vacation, and other perks.

The College now offers a Certificate in Cooperative Education after completing your three co-op rotations (not counting possible summer), in addition to your diploma, and is issued at the time of graduation. Earning a certificate offers a more comprehensive and tangible representation of your accomplishment. It adds credibility, specialization, and recognition to your educational achievements, which can greatly benefit your career prospects.

Benefits:

• Learn new things alongside industry professionals.
• Gain relevant engineering work experience to boost skills and be attractive to potential employers.
• Offset the cost of your education by making extra income.
• Eliminate what isn’t great. Now is the time to figure out your engineering strengths and interests.
• Get connected. Making industry connections while in school will make securing full-time employment much easier.

CO-OP SCHEDULE

We recommend that you complete your first five semesters of study in the classroom and then alternate a semester of paid employment with a semester of classroom study until your senior year (see chart below). In order to receive the Certificate in Cooperative Education, students must complete three rotations of co-op, not including possible summer.

While on co-op you do not attend classes but for the purpose of registering at UA, you are considered a full-time student even though the co-op "class" is credit/no credit.

*Does not count towards the Certificate in Cooperative Education

**Required to earn the Certificate in Cooperative Education

Between co-op assignments

On return to campus following each rotation, you will meet with our office to discuss your recent co-op experience. A grade of "credit" is then assigned for the past work period, and it is recorded on your permanent record in the Office of the Registrar.

WE ARE ALWAYS HERE TO HELP

Requirements & Details

If a you decide to co-op, you will have an incredibly rewarding experience while building a resume that makes you stand out to prospective employers. The process is straightforward, and we help at every step.

Eligibility requirements:

• GPA must be at least 2.3 or higher depending on your major
• On-schedule in your major

How to get a co-op:

• Complete your online Brightspace Orientation. Contact us for the most recent schedule.
• Schedule a one-on-one meeting with the co-op office where you will be asked about career goals and what type of position you’re looking for.
• After the co-op position is official, you must register for the zero-credit co-op course.

Cost: The registration fee to participate in the co-op program is $125 per semester.

Finding the right co-op

Our staff will get to know you by discussing all your options with you to determine what type of company and position is a good fit given your major and area of interest.

You can choose to co-op at the same company for multiple rotations or if you desire more experience, you can choose to work at different companies in different engineering positions.

A lot of options:

• Our Co-op and Placement Office has a vast network of employers locally and nationally.
• Our companies have hired talented engineers from UA for co-op or full-time, permanent positions.
• Opportunities to explore a range of engineering functions.
• Companies include internationally known brands: J.M. Smucker Company, Sherwin Williams, and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, to local companies like: Swagelok, Parker Hannifin, and Pepperl + Fuchs.
• On occasion, larger companies with an international presence will send you abroad for a third or fourth rotation.

Questions to consider when looking for a co-op:

• Do you want to stay in the Akron area?
• Are you looking to work for a large or small engineering company?
• What type of work experience are you looking for?
  • For example, do you want to design new products or consider the effectiveness, safety and cost of new designs?