Co-op Opportunities
The What, Why, Where and How of Engineering Co-op Programs
Engineering cooperative education programs have existed for over a century in the U.S. and have provided unique educational experiences and opportunities for undergraduates by engaging in professional work experiences during their academic tenure. Engineering co-op programs typically involve part-time or full-time technical work experience, the latter being an intermittent “off/on” semester work experience over several or more semesters. The advantages of Engineering co-op programs include:
- Increase student professional experiences beyond the summer internship program.
- Engineering co-op programs are often the only entry-level hiring mechanism in industry.
- Co-op programs represent a significant financial support mechanism for students and their families.
The Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering offers potential co-op experience opportunities to all of its students through a formal program that includes:
- Preparing students with resume building and job interviewing techniques
- Formally registering as a potential co-op student
- Fitting students with employers through an electronic “handshake” system
The Where
The Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering is fortunate to be surrounded by numerous associated industries, such as Dupont, Merck, Pfizer, Afton, New Market, West Rock, Tredegar, PPD and a host of smaller companies, medical industries and start-ups. Though many of our companies are local, we are represented well accross the country. One of our newest partners is Hershey’s Chocalate, Virginia Start-Up and the Bio+tech Park, the latter of which provides co-op experience in biotech start-up firms. We are excited to see this activity grow each year providing new and diverse opportunities to our students.
The How
Interested students should register right away with our College of Engineering Co-op Office. Students are required to take a professional work preparation program that assists them in resume writing, interviewing skills, personnel issues, what to expect on the job, etc.
Co-op students submit their resume and other relevant materials on line for potential employers to review through the VCU Handshake system.
Students are invited for job interviews at the College or industrial site. Once an offer is made, students work out a schedule involving alternating semesters of work and school in order to stay on track with their degree. To finish in 4 years requires that students attend summer classes if they are not working that summer semester. All students finish their entire senior term together, so co-op typically ends in the summer at the end of their junior year. However, every company is typically different and the semester to semester details are worked out with the student’s academic advisor in concert with our industrial co-op partners. It’s a win-win all around!
