Cooperative & Internship Education - Voluntary

Experiential engineering work-based education offers students the opportunity to integrate classroom theory with practical work experience. Students seamlessly alternate full-time study semesters and full-time paid engineering work experiences. The program offers students the ability to integrate internships and/or cooperative education opportunities providing them the flexibility to design their experiential work-based experience integrated in their eight semester academic plan. The results include invaluable real-world work experience, clarity in career direction, increased confidence, networking opportunities, greater academic motivation, as well as, providing a source of income. All students majoring in engineering and engineering technology may participate in the cooperative and internship education program. To qualify for the program, you must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate student, be in good academic standing, and be making progress toward your degree.

Our School of Engineering Co-op and Internship Office guides and supports students through the work-based learning process. Pursuing co-op or internship opportunities is completely voluntary, but for those who choose co-op or internship, a full complement of education and support is available from our team of professionals. All second-year engineering students take a class to prepare them for a work-based co-op or internship experience. Students can choose to attend on-campus interviews, held twice a year. Engineering students have access to the team in the School of Engineering Co-op and Internship office to answer questions and provide guidance not only while seeking an opportunity but also while working. Co-op and internship opportunities are available in the Dayton area and across the country. Students can work 1-5 work terms (semesters) and are eligible to live in campus housing and participate in campus activities if they are working locally. Students are encouraged to begin their co-op or internship experience during the summer of their first year or spring semester of their second year. The Co-op & Internship program requires that the student's employment be engineering work that is related to their academic discipline. The work should be diversified enough to afford a board learning experience while, if possible, allowing subsequent work terms increasing in difficulty, responsibility, and leadership. ABET approved employer evaluations of job performance and student feedback are integral parts of the program.