cooperative education - university of...

Cooperative EducationAcademic Program through the Swanson School of Engineering where you can gain academic credit, related work experience, and a pay check

Engineering students alternate between school and work to complete 3 rotations (CS complete 2 rotations) prior to graduation

Co-op offers support in the areas of job development and student services through faculty and staff assistance

Although not mandatory, half of the engineering undergrads opt to co-op

Benefits of Co-op• Gain experience and advanced

technical skills• Have 12 months of work experience

prior to graduation• Progress in responsibilities and

challenges through each rotation• Participation in a SSOE Academic

program, certification on transcript.

• Helps you figure out what you want to do, while also enhancing grades

• Additional mentoring with each rotation

• Average wage $16 hr. Earnings also tend to increase per rotations.

• Wages do not impact financial aid• Keep full-time student status

Why should you consider co-op?• Placement and support services throughout the length

of the co-op program• Still able to be active on campus (student orgs, study

abroad, leadership roles, etc. – just plan early!!)• Gain 3 credits and transcript certification• Progression with each rotation • Co-op tends to increase GPA – average is 3.27• For 2014-2015, 83% of the students who received FT

job offers from their co-op employers did accept

When to start? NOW!!Sophomore and Juniors

1.Talk to your parents/support systems about co-op, transportation, relocation, options, etc.

2.Register with co-op office (complete paperwork & turn in resume)

3.Review co-op handbook and ask questions now4.Attend Co-op Employer Panel Event (Sept 15)5.Attend Co-op job fair – Spring & Summer co-ops (Sept 22)

RSVP to attend: caf54@pitt.edu

Join engineering professionals/hiring managers, and HR reps as they explain what the look for when hiring co-ops. Gain tips on how to be successful in securing and keeping a co-op!

The panel of experts will be on-hand to answer your specific questions and offer advice.

• Light refreshments will be provided • Dress is business casual• RSVP early to ensure a seat!!

Co-op Employer PanelAdvice from the Hiring Experts

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2015 | 7 – 9 p.m.157 Benedum Auditorium

TuesdaySeptember 22, 2015 William Pitt Union

Co-op Fair: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PMPossible Interviews:2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Meet with employers looking to recruit multiple rotation co-ops starting the Spring or Summer

2016 terms.

Event information and list of participating employers can be found at

www.engineering.pitt.edu/coop

For more program information visit the Co-op Office in 152D Benedum

Fall 2015 Co-op Job Fair!

All Registered Co-op Applicants are considered “pre-registered for the event

Dress Professionally and bring plenty of copies of your resume

Research companies and be ready to make a great first impression

Talk to as many employers as possible to maximize opportunities

with theAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics American Institute of Chemical Engineers American Nuclear Society Engineers Without Borders Phi Sigma Rho Society of Women Engineers

CO-OP MOCK INTERVIEW EVENTTHURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 | 12:30 — 3:00 p.m. | Ballroom in WPU

• This is your opportunity to do a mock interview with upperclassmen who have co-op experience

• Enhance your professional development and learn tips and best practices from students who’ve gone through the co-op search!

• Plan on a 20 minute interview and grabbing a bite to eat while learning more about the student organizations. Professional dress not required!

Sign up in the Co-op office, 152D Benedum Hall or e-mail bek58@pitt.edu

Open to all students who turned in co-op paperwork and are registered applicants

FREE Lunch is provided

“It isn’t just about academics. You need to be able to communicate with others and solve problems too.”

--Employer at a recent co-op conference

Remember:

How the Process WorksLooking for a co-op:

• Register with co-op office and become an active applicant

• Have your resume reviewed before the co-op fair

• Attend fairs, respond to co-op emails, apply on-line

• Mock Interview

• Communicate with office

• Be prepared to take the time for interviews

When accepting a co-op:

• Accept verbally

• Arrange start/end dates

• Notify the co-op office

• Co-op Advisor schedule***(Should be traditional alternating rotations)

• Complete acceptance paperwork

Suggestions for Success• Be flexible with relocation, start date, etc. if possible

• Apply to as many positions as you can

• If you need to write a cover letter – tailor it to company and the job description

• Be honest when reporting GPA or other information

• Check that social media/voicemail/email are professional

• Prepare and be on time for interviews

• Ask questions and get clarification during the interview

• Send TY after interviews (24-48 hours)

• Attend Co-op Employer Panel on 9/15 – esp. Sophomores

• Respond to co-op and keep office informed

Your Pitt Co-op Program

• 900 Students / Partners with about 300 employers • 94% Co-op Graduate Placement rate • Offers individual Job development • Has an open door policy – no appointments needed • Assists through the entire co-op process (obtaining, accepting, and thru each rotation)

• Is an academic program comprised of employers, students, and staff

FAQsQ. What if I am not a declared CS major?

A. Please see Angela Ellis and/or Dr. Ramirez to ensure that you have fulfilled the necessary core courses before beginning co-op. You might not necessarily need to “declare” CS, but you will have to fulfill certain core requirements. Q. Can I just co-op in the summer?

A. We prefer that you co-op every other semester, double rotations are possible, see office and co-op advisor about co-op scheduleQ. What do co-ops pay?

A. Varies depending on employer (average wage $16 hr)Q. When should I send my resume out to companies?

A. Read all emails from co-opApply onlineNever too early to start applying

Q. Resume help and review?A. Come into the office anytime (open-door policy)

Q. What should I wear to co-op fairs?A. Men – Suits, dress pants and dress shirt, tie

Ladies- Dresses, skirts, dress pants, appropriate shoesNO JEANS

Q. Why do I pay $200.00 in University fees in addition to the $325.00 co-op fee?A. You will only pay these fees once you accept a co-op position. The co-op fee keeps you registered as a full-time student

while on rotation and the University charges all full-time students the extra fee to cover safety and transportation

Swanson School of Engineering Co-op Programwww.engineering.pitt.edu/co-op

Maureen Barcic, Directorpaub2m@pitt.edu

Chris Frankovic, Associate Directorcaf54@pitt.edu

LeeAnn Falcon, Program Admin lwf1@pitt.edu

Benedetta Khoury, Grad Intern Scott Allen, Grad Intern bek58@pitt.edu sma87@pitt.edu

Contact Information Co-op Office152D Benedum Hall (behind lobby front desk)3700 O’Hara Street