Cooperative Education (co-op)
Did you know that 91%* of employers say students should have ONE to TWO cooperative education experiences by the time you graduate?
Whether you have no work experience or a full resume, now is the time to find a rewarding work experience related to your future career.
Below please find some frequently asked questions to help you start preparing for your cooperative education experience.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is cooperative education?
Cooperative education (co-op) is an opportunity for a student to gain professional work experience before graduation.
Are co-op positions paid?
Yes, all co-op positions are paid!
Are co-op positions full-time or part-time?
A co-op could be full-time (40 hours) or part-time (15- 20 hours).
Is academic credit awarded for co-op work?
Yes, a student will earn 3 credits after successfully completing the co-op work experience course. How you utilize these credits towards your major/program requirements is different for undergraduate and graduate students. For more information please reference the below sections.
When should a student start considering and planning for a co-op opportunity?
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
What are the advantages of participating in a co-op position?
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
How can I apply to the co-op program?
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
How can I find a co-op?
- Search CDSLink – NJIT’s jobs database
- Use online career resources such as CareerShift
- Career Fairs
- By networking
Where can I find more information about co-ops?
For more information please visit the cooperative education page on the Career Development Services website.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT CO-OP INFORMATION
How many co-ops may a student take while earning a degree?
Two co-ops (during different semesters) may be taken.
Is academic credit awarded for co-op work?
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.
Who is eligible to participate in a co-op?
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
What are the differences between a co-op and an internship?
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.
GRADUATE STUDENT CO-OP INFORMATION
Is academic credit awarded for co-op work?
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.
Who is eligible to participate in a co-op?
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.