Topic: Co-op (Cooperative Eductaion)


How do I sign up to access Co-op job opportunities?

In order to preview and sign-up for Cooperative Education opportunities, you need to be registered with the Cooperative Education Office. In order to register stop by 1340 Engineering Building and sign a release form. This form enables you to review the Cooperative Engineering Education opportunities and allows the co-op office to forward your resume to prospective employers. Stop in and talk with Bernadette Friedrich for specific information.

Where can I go to find out about internships?

Although the College of Engineering doesn't have a formal internship program, there are several resources available to engineering students who are interested in a short term working assignment. Contact Jennifer Jennings at jjenning@csp.msu.edu to set up an appointment.

The Career Services and Placement Office website (http://www.csp.msu.edu) also provides lots of information about internships, resume development, the job search, and other career development issues.


What's the difference between a Co-op and an Internship? What is better?

Co-op is an academic program that allows students to alternate several periods of work experiences with semesters of MSU studies, usually with the same employer. Co-op positions are directly related to the student's major, electrical engineering students will be working in an electrical engineering function. Students participating in a Co-op assignment receive academic credit for their work experience. Most companies are looking for students to begin co-oping after the freshman year and before the junior year.

Internships may or may not be paid, and are not necessarily related to the student's major. There is no monitoring, evaluation, or credit of an internship by the College of Engineering. There is no obligation or ongoing commitment between the student and the employer. Internships are difficult to get as a freshman or sophomore, as companies are looking for students with specific engineering skills or experience.

There are specific advantages to Cooperative Education. Engineering students have reported that co-op has helped them develop technical skills, gain supervisory experience, develop written/oral communication skills and have an edge in the job market for permanent employment.

Cooperative Engineering Education
1340 Engineering Building
Michigan State University
East Lansing MI 48824-1226
Phone: (517) 355-5163
Fax: (517) 432-1356

For information on our
programs contact coop@egr.msu.edu.

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