Frequently Asked Questions

This page may help you understand the Co-op program. Feel free to contact us for additional information.

1. What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?
2. How can I co-op?
3. How can I benefit from participating in the Engineering Co-op program?
4. How does the Engineering Co-op Program work?
5. I am an international student, can I still participate?
6. Are there opportunities for graduate students?
7. Are faculty involved?
8. When should I apply to the Engineering Co-op Program?
9. What are the eligibility requirements?
10. How long will it take to get a job?
11. How much does it cost to apply to the Engineering Co-op Program?
12. What employers seek UIC engineering students through our Engineering Co-op Office?
13. What types of positions are there?
14. Do I work full-time or part-time?
15. If I get an offer, do I have to take it?
16. Are all positions paid?
17. Will accepting a job affect my financial aid?
18. What if I accept an offer with a company but a better offer comes along?
19. Do I remain with the same employer for all work assignments?
20. What do I have to do when I finish the Co-op assignment?

Q. What is Cooperative Education (Co-op)?        back to top

Generally, Cooperative Education (Co-op) is the rotation between school and full-time work assignments that relate directly to your engineering discipline. We offer 3 different options that students and employers can choose from. The experience allows students to enhance their academics with practical experience. See "How can I Co-op"? below.

Q. How can I Co-op?        back to top

There are 3 options that you can participate in, depending on the employers' employment criteria:

• Alternating work schedule: students alternate school semesters and work assignments.
• Parallel work schedule: students work part-time and enroll in school full- or part-time.
• Summer Internship: student work during the summers.

Q. How can I benefit from participating in the Engineering Co-op program?     back to top

From Co-op experience, students gain practical experience, technical knowledge, financial remuneration, confidence and better understanding of academic program. The experience gained generally makes students more marketable to employers, thus their job search is more rewarding.

Q. How does the Engineering Co-op Program work?        back to top

1. Students apply to the Engineering Co-op Office
2. Employers submit job orders requesting students.
3. The Engineering Co-op Office screens employers' requests and forwards applications of qualifying candidates to each employer.
4. Employers contact students directly or through the Engineering Co-op Office to arrange interviews

Q. I am an international student, can I still participate?        back to top

Yes; international students may submit applications as long as they have approval to work from the Office of International Services. Interested students should review the Students link for details.

Q. Are there opportunities for graduate students?        back to top

Yes. We will forward your resume to employers seeking graduate students. Graduate students on F-1 visa with approval to work need to be approved by the Co-op Office before starting their assignment. See the Students link for details.

Q. Are faculty involved?        back to top

Yes; faculty advisors will need to review and approve the student's academic plan as part of the application process. This will assure that students have a plan for graduation if they acquire cooperative employment.

Q. When should I apply to the Engineering Co-op Program?        back to top

Students should apply as soon as they are eligible. The sooner the students are in the database, the more exposure they will have to employment opportunities. Note that students are required to update their application each semester. See the Students link for details on the application process.

Q. What are the eligibility requirements?        back to top

Students need to have earned a minimum of 45 hours of graduation credit. These hours can be from AP or transfer institutions. GPA requirements are 2.75 out of 4.0 for students with 45-60 hours; 2.5 out of 4.0 for students over 60 hours. Please see the Students link for details.

Q. How long will it take to get a job?        back to top

There is no guarantee on placement. The demand on students depends on industry and appropriate qualifications. Students should understand that it may take more than one term to find placement.

Q. How much does it cost to apply to the Engineering Co-op Program?        back to top

It does not cost anything to apply to the Engineering Co-op Program. Students, however, are required to enroll in ENGR 289 if they find employment through the Engineering Co-op Office; this is a zero credit hour course and Range 4 tuition and fee schedule typically applies.

Q. What employers seek UIC engineering students through our Engineering Co-op Office?        back to top

Many different employers seek engineering students for cooperative employment. Please refer to the Employers link for details.

Q. What types of positions are there?        back to top

The Engineering Co-op Office works with a wide range of companies including small and large companies both local and outside the Chicago metropolitan area. Each employer agrees to offer positions related to the each student's major and appropriate level of study.

Q. Do I work full-time or part-time?        back to top

There are 3 options that you can participate in:

• Alternating work schedule: students alternate school semesters and work assignments.
• Parallel work schedule: students work part-time and enroll in school full- or part-time.
• Summer Internship: student work during the summers only.

Q. If I get an offer, do I have to take it?        back to top

There are many factors that you have to consider before you accept any position including commuting time, relocation, coursework, etc. Students are under no obligation to accept offers made to them.

Q. Are all positions paid?        back to top

Yes. Average starting salary is over $2000 per month.

Q. Will accepting a job affect my financial aid?        back to top

It depends on the student's financial situation. Students should consult the Financial Aid Office for details. Students may need to request a deferment of their student loan repayment. Students should contact their lender(s) directly for deferment paperwork.

Q. What if I accept an offer with a company but a better offer comes along?        back to top

Reneging on job acceptance is unprofessional and is certainly not recommended. You should consider all offers carefully before accepting one.

Q. Do I remain with the same employer for all work assignments?        back to top

It would depend on the employer, but students usually stay with the same company for all work assignments.

Q. What do I have to do when I finish the Co-op assignment?        back to top

You have to submit a brief report on your Co-op experience and also complete an employer survey form. If you do not complete these requirements in a timely manner, an "unsatisfactory (U)" grade is given for ENGR 289 for that term.

"Now, after completing a rotation at Lucent Technologies, I feel much more confident about myself and I see many opportunities ahead."

--UIC Electrical Engineering major

"The best reason to Co-op is that it is a great way to get that first job."

--UIC Mechanical Engineering major