cooperative education - university of...
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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: [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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, [email protected]
Chris Frankovic, Associate [email protected]
LeeAnn Falcon, Program Admin [email protected]
Benedetta Khoury, Grad Intern Scott Allen, Grad Intern [email protected] [email protected]
Contact Information Co-op Office152D Benedum Hall (behind lobby front desk)3700 O’Hara Street