Co-ops and internships: How to find them

Internships and co-ops are among the best ways to test your career interests.

What is an internship?

An internship is a short-term position that provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with professionals in science and technology fields. It's an opportunity for you to develop technical skills, apply classroom learning, and prepare for the transition from school to work.

What is a co-op?

A co-op experience alternates semesters of full-time enrollment and full-time employment related to the academic program, beginning no earlier than the completion of your sophomore year. A minimum number of work sessions are required to satisfy cooperative education requirements and a letter grade or other designation may be assigned upon completion of each work session. A co-op participant is paid and also may receive academic credit for the experience, depending on the department. Some departments require preapproval of co-op programs. Check with your departmental advisor to obtain information about your department.

Why become an intern?

Organizations provide guidance and mentoring, and work with students to meet their particular learning goals. In return, interns help employers achieve company work goals and engage in experiential learning. Internships are paid and are available at private corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Some internships become job opportunities, and participating in an internship puts you at an advantage over applicants who have not had experience in their field of interest. Finally, internships are a great way to make professional contacts and references.

What is the goal of an internship?

Many students know they want to be an engineer or scientist but are unsure of what these individuals do on a daily basis. An internship is a great way to explore positions within your major field, to get a feel for the kind of work you could do within an organization, and to introduce you into the professional world. The goal of an internship is unique to each student. You want to begin your search by thinking about your career path and brainstorm your own learning objectives. These goals will give you a sense of purpose and direction as well as a means of measuring your overall progress at the internship site.

Where can I start researching internship opportunities?
You can begin by visiting the Career Center for Science and Engineering (CCSE), 50 Lind Hall. CCSE has an assortment of information to assist you in your internship search, including internship postings, alumni and employer contacts, employer information, and other valuable information. Your faculty advisor can help you identify internships that are appropriate for academic credit and can direct you to other valuable resources. Attend career fairs and company information sessions to learn more about internship possibilities. Finally, start networking with everyone you know. You never know who can help you find an internship!

How do I apply for an internship?

One way to apply to internships is by registering with CCSE . You'll have access to online job postings year-round, and you can submit your resume electronically to on-campus interviewing opportunities. Your resume also is published in online resume books searchable by employers. If you are responding to other job postings, it is a good idea to call the organization and speak with the person in charge of hiring, both before and after submitting your application. If you are interested in an internship at a specific company but are unsure if it accept interns, call and ask. Get contact information for the person in charge of the hiring process and find out what timelines are involved.

What about international internships?

The Learning Abroad Center offers international internships for undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students through the Global Experience Program. International internships can range in length from 10 weeks to a semester of full-time work. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the Learning Abroad Center, 230 Heller Hall.

IAESTE is an international organization dedicated to developing global skills in tomorrow’s technical leaders through exchange programs and membership in the organization. IAESTE coordinates paid, on-the-job training for students in technical fields. In order to be eligible, you must be an active member of the U of M Twin Cities student chapter. For more information call 612-623-3440 or email iaeste@umn.edu.

What are the steps to finding an internship?

Finding an internship can be an involved process, so it is a good idea to start the process early. Generally speaking, you will want to begin your search at least six months prior to the date you would like to start the internship.

	Step 1: Establish personal goals Meet with faculty advisor and career counselor at CCSE to determine whether you can do an internship for credit. Begin brainstorming your internship learning objectives, networking with contacts, attending job fairs, researching specific companies of interest, and preparing a cover letter and resume.
	Step 2: Develop a job search plan Develop a job search strategy by searching by specific companies of interest, industries of interest, or by geographic location. Searching within three industries in two or three geographic areas is generally a reasonable start. Employer directories and other resources are available at CCSE to assist you in your search. Attend a workshop at CCSE on job-search strategy or schedule an appointment to speak with a career counselor.
	Step 3: Apply to internship positions Begin applying to employers. Depending on the employer, you may be required to submit application materials months prior to the start of the internship. Plan accordingly. While waiting to hear back from employers about your application status, schedule a mock interview with a career counselor at CCSE to practice your interviewing skills and attend an interviewing workshop at CCSE.
	Step 4: Interview and evaluate job offers Contact the organizations within a few weeks of application to make sure your application is complete. Employers may start inviting you for interviews several months in advance of the starting date. Prepare for each interview by researching the organization and position and by preparing questions for interviewers that relate to your learning objectives. Career counselors are available at CCSE to assist you in this process. Send thank-you notes to the interviewer. Evaluate offers carefully and decide which internship is best for you. Call the organization to accept or decline the internship. Be sure to inform CCSE when you accept internship offers.

What should I do to make the internship a positive experience?

There are several things you can do to ensure that your internship is a productive learning experience. Meet with your internship site supervisor early and explain your learning objectives. A supervisor who is aware of your goal will be more likely to assign you projects and assignments to meet those needs. Also, you should arrange regularly scheduled meetings with your intern site supervisor(s), during which you can discuss progress on learning goals and projects and ask questions.

What is a nondisclosure or noncompete agreement?

Employers may ask students in co-ops or internships to sign a confidentiality or noncompete agreement, which protect sensitive technical or commercial information (intellectual property) or trade secrets from disclosure to other parties. For more information, see Nondisclosure and Noncompete Agreements.

How do I conclude the internship?

Arrange an exit interview with your internship site supervisor. During this time, discuss whether or not you met your learning objectives and what you learned from working on company projects. You can ask the employer for advice about future job searches and for a letter of recommendation. After your departure, don’t forget to update your resume to include your internship experience.

Internships and Co-ops: How to Find Them (pdf format)