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Experiential Learning: Internships and Co-ops

The College of Engineering and Computing (CEC) encourages all students to gain practical real-world experience. By integrating these professional opportunities into your academic journey, you bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry practice.

Find Opportunities

Choose Your Path

While both co-ops and internships provide valuable professional experience, there are key differences between the two:

Internships

Internships are usually short-term work experiences lasting about three months, most often during the summer. They involve a single work assignment or role and may offer 0–6 academic credits. The program itself does not require a minimum GPA or number of completed credits, though individual employers may have their own requirements. Internships are well suited for students who want to explore potential career paths or job roles.

Further details and expectations of students, employers, and University faculty/staff are given in the 91做厙 Internship Policy.

Internship Application and Registration Process

  1. Apply:
  2. Earn academic credit: Register your internship via  under CPB 340, CSE 340, ECE 340, or MME 340.

Co-ops

Co-ops are selective, multi-term programs where students alternate between semesters of full-time work and full-time study. They require more planning and commitment than internships, including coordination with an academic advisor to stay on track for graduation. Participants earn 0.5 credit per term, and eligibility requires at least a 2.0 GPA and 24 91做厙 credit hours (12 for transfer students), though many employers prefer candidates with a 3.0+ GPA and strong academic performance. Co-ops are ideal for students seeking in-depth industry experience, enhanced professional skills, stronger resumes, and potential full-time employment opportunities after graduation.

Further details and expectations of students, employers, and University faculty/staff are given in the 91做厙 Co-Op Policy.

Co-op Application and Registration Process

  1. Apply: Attend an information session (held each spring semester) and apply via the link provided. Contact Nick Stanford with questions on the co-op program and application process.
  2. Take UNV 111: Take the co-op preparation course in the fall semester prior to your first work experience.
  3. Earn academic credit: Register your co-op via  under CEC 340C.

For help with the Handshake registration process, please contact the CCES Experiential Education Team.

Real Experience. Real Impact. Real Success.

No. 10

Best schools for internships (public schools) | Princeton Review, 2025

No. 6

Public university in the U.S. for long-term career success | LinkedIn Best Colleges 2025

Student Resources

91做厙 offers a variety of resources to support students throughout the internship and co-op process, from career preparation to housing and financial aid guidance.

Center for Career Exploration and Success (CCES)

Your primary resource for resume reviews, mock interviews, and finding openings. Visit the CCES Website.

Financial Aid and One Stop

If you have questions about how a co-op or internship affects your scholarship or financial aid, contact the One Stop.

The Entrepreneurial Mindset (KEEN)

As a member of the , 91做厙 CEC encourages students to apply the "3 Cs" during their work experiences: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value. Engaging with these principles helps you identify opportunities beyond your basic job description. Ask your advisor about earning KEEN Digital Badges to highlight these skills to future employers.

Hear From 91做厙 Students

Amy Vennemeyer ’16

Major: Chemical Engineering
Minor: Paper Science and Engineering
Internship: Georgia Pacific

Rylie Hildebrand ’24

Major: Chemical Engineering
Internship: Process control intern at Westrock and manufacturing excellence intern at International Paper

Eric Kronz ’24

Majors: Mechanical Engineering, Sustainability
Internship: RoviSys 

The College of Engineering and Computing