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Students Seeking Co-op Jobs or Internships

Requirements for seeking students

  1. Make an appointment with the co-op coordinator assigned to your major.
  2. Complete a file with the Co-op Office.
    The file will include a co-op application, an official transcript, a resume, a signed "Co-op Student Agreement", and your e-mail address.
  3. International students only
    Obtain a work permission letter from the Co-op Office and have it signed by the International Student Services Coordinator to confirm your work eligibility.
  4. Create a resume.
    The Co-op Office's sample resumes, the UTC Co-op Web site resources, and your co-op coordinator are your resume development resources. Your co-op coordinator must approve your resume before it will be sent to employers.
  5. Get your transcript.
    Go to the Records Office (109 Race Hall), pay $2.00, wait for your transcript to be printed, and then deliver it personally to the Co-op Office.
  6. Get an email address. It is a requirement.
    All UTC students have e-mail accounts set up on the student UNIX server, Moccasun. With a student or photo ID, you may get your password and username for your free e-mail account at UTC's Computing Services (Administrative Building at 400 Palmetto Street, Room 103). If you have questions, contact UTC's Computing Services at 425-2678 or go to the "E-mail questions or problems" section of the Computing Services Web site. E-mail is the main way your coordinator will contact you and is the way employers sometimes get in touch with potential co-op students. Check it regularly.
  7. Provide the Co-op Office with current, accurate contact information.
    Information needs to be updated every semester that you work with the Co-op Program. If a company wants to interview you, they contact you at the address, e-mail, or phone number that is on file in the Co-op Office. If it is wrong, you miss an opportunity.
  8. Actively participate in your co-op position search.
    Carefully examine the various company job descriptions on file with your coordinator.
  9. Get with your advisor to put together a long-range schedule.
  10. Apply only to co-op assignments that are directly related to your major.
  11. Students seeking academic credit through an internship
    • Employers will be informed, prior to hiring, of any additional supervisory requirements, if you are seeking academic credit through your department.
    • To receive credit, your academic department must approve your internship. That department will also assign credit and grades.
  12. Maintain regular contact with your co-op coordinator.
    This contact keeps you up on current positions and helps your coordinator stay informed of your current status (i.e. - interviewing, looking, etc.).
  13. Improve your resume writing and interviewing skills.
    Employers decide to hire or not to hire based on the quality of your resume and interview. Schedule a resume critique with your co-op coordinator. Strengthen your interview skills. (See your coordinator for interview tips or sign up for a videotaped practice interview with your co-op coordinator.)
  14. Return calls to employers for interviews or job offers in a timely fashion.
  15. Attend all the interviews that you set up with potential employers.
  16. Respond promptly to an offer.
    When an offer is received, respond in three working days or less, and inform the Co-op Office of your decision. Provide the office with a copy of your acceptance letter prior to your first day of work.
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Recommendations for seeking students

(Or ways to get the most out of your experience)
  • Find the right experience. What type of experience fits your values, interests, and goals?
  • Put together a co-op file that shows you at your best, and know how to sell yourself.
  • If you want something special, help find it. Be a partner in the process.
  • Research opportunities. Resources include internship books, company files and information available through the Co-op Office. Also, check company Web pages for more detailed information.
  • Check application deadlines. Competitive positions often have early deadlines.
  • Think about what you expect to gain from the experience. Set some career goals and objectives.
  • Review your options and accept the position that will best help you to achieve your career goals.
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