Internships and Co-ops

An Internship is a position that provides an opportunity to gain meaningful career related experience. Typically it is a full-time paid position during the summer, lasting approximately three months.

A Co-op is also a position that provides an opportunity to gain meaningful career related experience. The KU School of Engineering defines a co-op as a full-time paid position which includes a school semester, usually lasts four to seven months, and the student receives school credit. By enrolling for the co-op credit, undergraduate students maintain "full-time enrolled student status", i.e. school loans do not come due and they can remain as a "student" on parents' insurance (if applicable). The word co-op may be defined differently by other universities and employers.

Why do an Internship or Co-op?

• Gain first hand experience in a field that interests you
• Establish relationships and network with professionals
• Acquire "real world" experience that you can apply back in the classroom
• Improve post-graduation job prospects
• Earn money for college
• "Everybody else is doing it" - most students complete an internship / co-op position or other related work experience prior to graduation.

Where can I find openings?

• Postings listed on the Engineering Career Center website
• Engineering Career Fairs - held twice a school year, typically September and February
• On campus interview opportunities
• On line Job/Internship/Co-op boards
• Departmental bulletin boards
• Journals and websites of associations related to your major
• Events held by student groups (many groups invite employer representatives to speak at meetings)
• Websites of companies you are interested in
• Conferences (national and regional engineering student group conferences often include a Career Fair)
• Network with personal contacts (classmates, family members, neighbors)

How do I start the process?

• Plan ahead if possible (some companies fill their summer internship positions starting the September before)
• Create a resume and have it reviewed by the Engineering Career Center
• Identify your search focus (areas that interest you, geographic restrictions, long term career goals, etc.)
• Prepare for interviews (handouts and books available at the Career Center, consider signing up for a mock interview)
• Apply and interview for internship and co-op openings
• Continue applying for additional opportunities until you have an offer