About the Program The Co-op FAQ

What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education is the rotation between school and full-time work assignments that relate directly to your engineering, chemistry, or computer science discipline. This program enables students to complement classroom studies with practical experience, technical knowledge, and financial reward.

Do I work full-time or part-time?

At the University of Pittsburgh, the student works full-time for a term, and then returns to school for full time study.

How many terms do I work?

To complete the program requirements and receive certification, you must work a minimum of three four-month terms. If you are a Chemistry major you are only required to complete two four-month rotations. Some students in all majors may have an opportunity to work four or more terms. As long as you remain with your co-op employer, you are considered a co-op student. Students who participate in the Program do not have the option of changing their status from co-op to intern to avoid paying the co-op fee.

When Do I Begin?

Co-oping begins for most students upon completion of the sophomore year. Mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering students have the option to begin work midway through the sophomore year. Work sessions begin in May, September, or January. Junior-level students can still participate midway through the year and satisfy the three-term commitment if he/she can work out a schedule in cooperation with his/her department.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Students must possess a minimum 2.0 QPA overall, and should not be on term probation. Also, required coursework for each department must be completed. If you are in doubt regarding your academic status, see the co-op advisor in your department. (Some co-op employers will set a higher QPA requirement.)

Is co-oping mandatory?

No, co-oping is an option for any qualified student.

What types of positions are there?

The Cooperative Engineering Education office is committed to assuring a practical work experience for each student in his/her field of study. We work with a wide range of companies including public and private, small and large. We have placed students in over twenty-five states, as well as the Pittsburgh area. Some students have had international assignments with their co-op employers.

I'm a transfer student; can I co-op?

Yes! We have successfully placed many transfer students from branch campuses and other colleges and universities. Most transfer students begin at the main campus after the sophomore year and can begin co-op assignments after one term at the main campus.

What are the primary benefits of the co-op program?

Practical experience, technical knowledge, financial remuneration, confidence, assurance, and better understanding of academics are all benefits of the co-op experience in addition to the academic credits earned by the student. The co-op experience has also immensely benefited graduating students in their job search. Although many students eventually accept permanent employment with their co-op employers, many others find that they have multiple offers to select from; many with a higher than average starting salary.

How do I register with the Co-op program?

The co-op office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday and located in offices B-80 Benedum Hall.

In order to register with the co-op program, a structured application must be completed. The application has five components. See the application checklist to learn what is required.

As one component, students must also attend a one-hour workshop on program policies . For your convenience, the workshops will be scheduled for various times and dates.  Check out our important dates to find out about the upcoming workshops. If you have a conflict with the times, we will try to see you on an individual basis. All students must either attend the workshop or see a staff person in the co-op office before accepting interviews. A one-on-one mock interview is available to any student who requests it. We strongly encourage all registrants to participate in this option.

How long will it take to get a job?

First of all, we cannot guarantee anyone a co-op position. It has been our experience, however, that if you sign up for a number of opportunities, there is a very good chance of placement.

If you are interested in only certain industries or certain geographic locations, your job search will become more difficult.

You may be one of those students who interviews for one position, receives an offer from the company, accepts it, and thus completes the interviewing process. Most students find, though, that securing a position is a waiting game. Most offers are tendered towards the end of the term, and many students find themselves deciding on more than one offer.  Keep in mind that it may take more than one term to secure a position. You may want to apply to the co-op office as early as possible in your college career.

Don't give up! Many students think that because they haven't heard from a company they are not desirable candidates. That is simply not the case. Employers are extremely busy with varied responsibilities; the co-op program is just one area for many of them. Again, most students will receive offers if they sign up for a number of companies.

Will there be a job fair?

Yes! The Co-op Office hosts both a spring and a fall co-op job fair for co-op employers and students each year. applying for co-op.   By attending one of both of our job fairs, you are increasing your opportunities of being accepted into the co-op program. Please check with the co-op office for details on this event.

How will I know which companies interest me?

The best way to obtain information is to use the Internet, public library, or Pitt library system. 

In addition, the co-op office has a file on each company.  We also have salary information on almost all of our employers.   Please ask us for this information if it is important to you!

When we obtain a request for co-op candidates from a company, we will post the position on PantherTracs.     Also, once the student fulfills the applicant requirements (hands in all of the necessary paperwork), we will put the student information into PantherTracs.  The student may submit a resume via PantherTracs.    Also, once a company indicates that they desire to hire one of our co-op students, we will send all qualified candidate resumes to that company ... the student doesn't have to formally submit a resume on PantherTracs ... however, he/she must have submitted ALL paperwork to the Co-Op Office.

What if I don't have the QPA or discipline the company requests? Can I still sign up?

It is important that we follow guidelines established by the employers. However, if you are truly interested in a company for which you do not meet criteria, please let us know. We will contact that company on your behalf.    Many employers will agree to consider those candidates.  If you sign up for companies where you do not meet the qualifications and haven't consulted the office, your resume will not be sent.

How will I know which companies are interested in me?

Once the resumes leave our office, one of several things might happen:

The company schedules an on campus recruiting visit and the co-op office will notify the student of the interview.    We need to receive a response from the student within 24 hours so that we know the student will be attending the interview.

The company contacts you by telephone and discusses the position with you.

The company offers you a plant trip based either on your resume or telephone interview. (It is imperative that you have an answering machine. Companies will call during business hours when you are often not at home. Your greeting on that machine should be as professional as possible.)

The company will usually notify you by telephone or in writing to offer you a position. Please note: All offers and plant visits must be reported to the co-op office.

I've never interviewed with a corporation before. Do you assist us in preparation for an interview?

Yes. We have an Interviewing Resources link on our website and we strongly encourage all students to mock interview with our staff members and volunteer specialists.  . We have found that most students who utilize this service not only feel more comfortable during the interviewing process, but ultimately receive job offers. Also, the Engineering Student Council hosts a Professional Development Week. The Career Services Office (236 WPU) also offers workshops on Interviewing Skills. Co-op employers sometimes offer interviewing skills workshops.

Is it appropriate to send "Thank You" notes after an interview?

Yes! Particularly if you are interested in the position. If you have questions about writing letters to employers, make an appointment with someone in the co-op office who will assist you.

 

If I get an offer, do I have to take it?

No, you do not. However, it is critical to turn down the position in a professional manner. There may come a day when that same company may be of great interest to you. If they've had a bad experience with you, it's possible that they won't consider you for future employment with them. Some students try to take the easy way out by making something up that is not true, and usually end up hurting the program. For instance, we have had students register, interview, and then decline a position by saying that they will have trouble completing coursework if they co-op. First of all, schedules are in place to insure successful completion of coursework. All students must see a faculty advisor before beginning to interview to have a schedule approved; the co-op office must have a copy of that schedule. Also, after receiving an offer, some students have said that they do not want to move out of town, or that their parents do not want them to move. Again, these are issues that should have been resolved before the student's first interview.

We suggest that you be open, but realistic. If you absolutely know you cannot leave Pittsburgh, do not sign up for positions elsewhere. Yes, it will limit you, but it is only impeding the chances of other students who are more interested. In other words, use common sense.

What if I interview and then decide that co-oping is not for me?

The first thing you need to do is notify the Co-op Office. We will make certain that your resume is not circulated to any additional companies, to save you the responsibility of explaining your decision to them. Do not continue to interview or go on plant trips. Tell any employers who contact you that you are no longer available, but thank them for considering you. You may also want to add that you might re-submit a resume to them during senior year.

Will I be told if I don't get the position?

Usually. However, some companies just notify the students they wish to extend the offers to for co-op employment. If you have not heard from a company you are interested in, ask someone in the co-op office. We are usually up-to-date on what is happening with each company.

Are all positions paid?

Yes; all positions are paid. The average starting salary is $2623 per month.

What if I accept a position with a company but a better offer comes along?

If you have an offer with a company, you must decline that position before we submit your resume to additional companies. We ask that you consider any job offer very seriously before accepting or rejecting. If you have an offer but are waiting for a possible offer from another company, it is perfectly acceptable to call them to ascertain your status before making a decision.

Once you have made your decision, however, we expect you to consider that a commitment to the company. Reneging on job acceptance will cause dismissal or suspension from the co-op program. We recommend that students ask questions and get details regarding the position before accepting. Information can be gained from: 1. Employer 2. Internet 3. Other Students 4. Professors. Take advantage.

Do I remain with the same employer for all work assignments?

The co-op students at the University of Pittsburgh usually remain with the same employer for all work assignments. Our philosophy is that by completing three or more terms with the same employer, the student receives increasingly challenging work assignments, and is typically performing as an entry-level engineer by the last session. This is dependent upon both the student's and employer's satisfaction with the program.

Can I accept a "summer only" position through your office?

No.  We are not an intern office.   Co-Op is a structured academic program of alternating work/school rotations.  If a co-op employer does offer a "summer only" position to one of our applicants as a result of a co-op interviews:  In order to be fair to all students, students must complete co-op paperwork, register for the co-op credit, and pay the associated fees ... even if it is just for one or two summers.

What if I am laid off from my position because of economics?

If you lose your position for any reason other than poor work or poor academic performance, the co-op office will assist you in the location of another suitable position.

If I co-op, can I still get the courses I need in order to graduate?

Yes, each student has a co-op faculty advisor and courses have been scheduled to accommodate the co-op students. As part of the application process your advisor in your department will complete a schedule form for you which can be picked up from the co-op office. The schedules must be completed as a part of the application checklist before you accept interviews. It is the student's responsibility to give a signed copy to the co-op office and his/her department.   

While you are out on a work rotation, you will receive an e-mail message from the Co-Op Office regarding your registration for classes for the following term.   You will return a list of the classes you will need for the following term to the Co-Op Office and, with the assistance from your department, we will get you scheduled.  (This is a service we provide to our students only when he/she is out on a work rotation.)

Will I lose financial aid and/or on-campus housing by participating in the Co-op Program?

There are liaisons in both the financial aid and housing offices who will work with you to provide a smooth transition from full-time student to co-op student each term. You need to be aware, however, that student earnings are reported on financial aid applications. We have had a few situations where some aid has been lost due to the amount of earnings, particularly if a total of 8 months of the calendar year are spent on a co-op assignment. Financial aid is generally not available to students while they are on co-op assignments: this aid will be available for the terms when students are in class. Also, on-campus housing is contingent upon participation in the housing office's lottery system.

What if I accept a job outside of Pittsburgh and need temporary housing during either my school or work rotations?

Accepting a co-op position outside of Pittsburgh is a great way to broaden your horizons. It is a fantastic way for you to see what it¹s like to live in another part of America or the world for a finite period of time. Most companies will offer some form of housing assistance for those positions outside of Pittsburgh. Inquire at the co-op office or ask the company during your interview. When you return to Pitt for classes and need a sublet for 4 months, check out our sublet directory.

Are there any co-op fees?

Yes each term that an engineering student goes out on a work rotation the Co-Op Office will register him/her for the one-credit class entitled ENGR 1090.   (Chemistry co-op students for ENGR 1091; international co-op students for ENGR 1092; and computer science co-op students for ENGR 1093.) The fee for this course is $325 per term plus pro-rated fees as follows;  activity fee, computer fee, and transportation fee.  All co-op students must pay all of these fees each term, regardless of where the co-op position is located.

After completing three terms, registration for the co-op credit is optional. Regardless of whether you register or not, if you remain with your co-op employer for additional terms, we still consider you part of our program and expect you to complete evaluations, and conduct yourself as a co-op professional.

Is there any negotiation with the fee?

No. If a student uses the services of this office to gain employment, the fee must be paid for the first three work rotation terms.

Is there any flexibility with the co-op rotations?

Although the majority of our students are on four-month work and school cycles, some employers have requested students for eight-month periods. If academic schedules permit, the Co-op Office and academic departments will usually grant approval for a change in the rotations.

Can I work summers only?

No, we do not have a "summers only" program. Our students complete the program by rotating between work and school.