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Co-ops/Internships

Career Development Center Co-ops/Internships
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Co-op and Internship Online Orientation - Read in Entirety

Co-op and Internship

What is the Co-op and Internship Program?
  Managed by CDC
  • The zero-credit Co-op and Internship Program is managed by the Career Development Center (CDC)
   Mutually Beneficial
  • The program connects students, organizations, and SIUE
  • Combines academic study with major-related work experiences under employer supervision
  • Positions are preferably paid
   All Majors
  • Students from all majors may participate
  • Connects classroom learning to career goals
  Term-Based
  • Participation aligns with the SIUE academic calendars and occur in the Summer, Fall, and Spring terms
  Zero-Credit
  • Students receive zero-credit transcript recognition
  • No fees or tuition are charged for CDC Co-op/internship courses
  Career-Readiness
  • Students reflect on career-readiness competencies to improve skills aligned with employer expectations
  Paperwork
International Students (CPT)
  • Requirements are more complex and involve both ISSS and the CDC each term working off campus
  • Paperwork must be completed each term for off-campus work
  • Additional requirements apply if earning academic credit

Co-op vs Internship

What is the difference between a Co-op and an Internship?
 
Co-op
Internship
  Pay
  • Always Paid
  Learning
  • More immersive major-related learning
  • In depth project opportunities
  • Ongoing major-related experiences with significant exposure to field of interest
  • Major-related but may be less immersive
  • Project-based experiences typically
  • Exposure to a field of interest
  Duration
  • Usually span two or more terms with the same employer
  • Usually 120+ experience hours
  • Typically one term or less
  • Should exceed 60 experience hours
  Types

  • There are two types of Co-op

    • Alternating - Students work full-time every other semester, alternating between full-time work assignments and full-time enrollment in school

    • Parallel - Students work part-time year round while attending school full-time

  • Internship - Students work at least 60 hours, and usually part-time

  • Micro-Internship - With prior approval, students may work less 40 to 60 hours if experience is intensive, and usually part-time

  •  

Benefits of Participation

Why Participate in the Co-op/Internship Program?
  • Applies classroom knowledge in a real-world setting
  • Develop career-readiness competencies
  • Build professional networks
  • Gain official transcript recognition
  • Clarify career goals
  • Develops professional relationships
  • Prepare for full-time employment
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):
  • Employers consider relevant work experience a key factor in hiring
  • The majority of employers consider internships and Co-ops as the best way to gain relevant work experience
  • New graduates who participated in internships were more likely to receive job offers

Student Participation Requirements

What is the Participation Criteria for a Co-op/Internship?
  • Employers and positions must be approved by the CDC, and approval is at the sole discretion of the CDC
  • Minimum GPA requirements
    • 2.0 for undergraduate
    • 3.0 for graduate 
  • Minimum of 30 credit hours (sophomore status) completed to be eligible
  • Additional requirements may be discussed individually

How to Participate

How do I participate in the Co-op or Internship program?
    1. Login to Cougar Jobline 
    2. Update your profile with current information
    3. Schedule a career counseling appointment for at least the following:
      • Resume development, review, and approval
      • Job search support
    4. Search and apply for opportunities in Cougar Jobline 
    5. Employers select candidates for interviews
    6.  Once you accept or secure a position submit an Experiential Learning record in Cougar Jobline
    7. Complete required paperwork at the beginning and end of each term

International Students - Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

How do I get started with CPT?
  • Must have been at SIUE for at least 9 months or 2 academic terms
  • Must work directly with the CDC AND ISSS
  • Cannot begin work until all paperwork is completed and approved by the Career Development Center and International Affairs
  • Additional details for International Students are available on the CDC and ISSS websites

Student Obligations

Student Obligations in the Co-op & Internship Program

 As a participant in the SIUE Co-op and/or Internship Program, I agree and understand the following:

As a participant you agree to the following:

  • Your resume may be shared with potential employers
  • Employers may contact you directly for interviews
  • You will stay in contact with your Co-op and Internship Coordinator at the CDC
  • You must notify your Co-op and internship Coordinator when accepting a position
  • You must submit a new Internship or Experience record each term
  • You are responsible for completing all required paperwork before starting work
  • You are responsible for completing end-of-the-term reports and paperwork
    • Employer Evaluation
    • Student Report 
    • Additional reports may be required
  • You will maintain professional conduct including
    • Attendance and punctuality
    • Following employer policies and safety guidelines
    • Maintaining positive working relationships
  • Your reports and evaluations may be shared with your academic department
  • You are solely responsible for reviewing all employer documents before signing
    • Employers should not require non-competes
    • Employers should not ask you to sign documents that would limit future opportunities
    • Employers should not charge participation fees

 

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