Cooperative Education (co-op)

Cooperative education (co-op) is an opportunity for a student to gain professional work experience before graduation.

Yes, all co-op positions are paid!

A co-op could be full-time (40 hours) or part-time (15- 20 hours).

Yes, the co-op course will be for one credit and included in the student’s bill the first time they register. Any consecutive co-op courses will also be for one credit, but no tuition will be charged irrespective of change of employer. Other fees still apply.

Now! Students who are interested in obtaining a co-op should:

• Attend Interview and Resume Writing Workshops and attend other Career Development Services events.
• Review Co-op Job Postings in CDSlink
• Keep in touch with your Career Advisor
• Register for and attend The NJIT Career Fair

Some advantages of participating in a co-op position include:

• Determining if your current major/program is a good match
• Gaining real-world experience within a company to include on your resume
• Increasing the likelihood of future full-time employment with your current  co-op employer through exemplary performance
• Improving interviewing skills for future positions by becoming familiar with an employer’s expectations
• Earning a salary to perhaps help pay your tuition

Complete the Co-op Application through CDSlink by clicking on “Co-op Application”. Once your application has been accepted:

• Schedule an appointment with your career advisor to review your resume and discuss other topics (Policies, Interviewing, etc.)
• Update resume
• Load/Upload resume in CDSLink
• Start searching for co-op positions

• Search CDSLink – NJIT’s jobs database
• Use online career resources such as CareerShift
• LinkedIn
• Career Fairs
• By networking

For more information please visit the cooperative education page on the Career Development Services website.

Two co-ops (during different semesters) may be taken.

Yes, a student will earn 3 credits for each co-op, with a maximum of 6 credits for completing 2 co-ops. You receive credit after successfully completing the co-op work experience course. These credits can fulfill a general/free elective requirement.

Students who meet the below criteria are eligible to participate in a co-op experience. No prior work experience is necessary!

• Junior standing (57+ credits)
• Cumulative GPA of 2.7 or above
• Good academic standing

Some differences between a co-op and an internship include

• An internship is not always a paid work experience. A co-op is always a paid work experience.
• No college credit is given for an internship.  Three credits are earned for each co-op experience, tied to a required work experience course.

Yes, a student will earn 3 credits for each co-op, however, these credits will be additive credits in your program. You receive credit after successfully completing the co-op work experience course.

Students who meet the below criteria are eligible to participate in a co-op experience. No prior work experience is necessary!

• Domestic Students:
  • Enrolled for at least one semester at NJIT
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Good academic standing
• International Students (F -1 Visa Holders):
  • Enrolled on a full time basis for one full academic year (fall/spring semester) at NJIT
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
  • Good academic standing

* Study from Millennial Branding and Experience Inc.