Internships and co-ops are work/learning experiences that provide a hands-on way for students to confirm choice of major and/or career in a way that is often more substantial than a part-time job. They help students develop and enhance the essential career competencies to become career ready! Both internships and co-ops are expected to provide substantial opportunities for mentoring, networking, shadowing, and learning about the career field through meaningful work and contributions to the overall organization.Both internships and co-ops are expected to provide substantial opportunities for mentoring, networking, shadowing, and learning about the career field through meaningful work and contributions to the overall organization.
A traditional internship typically lasts between two to four months and can be part-time or full-time, while micro internships are shorter experiences, about four weeks, and are normally entirely project based. Both may be paid or not paid, and traditional internships may be credit eligible. A co-op is four to eight months, is paid, does not earn credit, and must occur during the fall or spring semester, though it can start or be extended into the summer.
Definitions and Assessments
- Compare a micro-internship, a traditional internship, and a co-op to further define and understand their similarities and differences.
- Take a self-assessment to learn more about your interests, strengths, and values, to figure out what types of internships, co-ops, and even careers may be a good fit.
- Assess the organizational culture before applying, interviewing, or starting. applying, interviewing, or starting.
Preparation and Timeline
- Prepare your application materials which may include a resume and cover letter.
- Timeline: Ideally, start searching about six months before the start date; however, some industries and positions are advertised 16 months ahead of the start date, and others will be posted only 2 months before it begins! Research your intended industry to find out what timeframe makes the most sense for you.
Credit Consideration
- Considering earning internship credit? Make sure you get the internship approved before accepting the position. Review steps for credit on the Earn Credit for an Internship page.
- Credit and Compensation are not synonymous or interchangeable. The course instructor determines if an internship meets educational objectives for academic credit. Employers decide if an intern will be paid.
- A quality internship does not exploit or take advantage of the student.
Next Steps
- Schedule an Appointment with a career coach to discuss the internship and co-op search as well as how to prepare and tailor application documentation.
- For tips and strategies for success once you start an internship or co-op, review the xxx guide to maximize that experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to the most common questions we get about finding an internship or co-op. For further questions about our responses or any other questions, schedule an appointment with a career coach.
The internship and co-op application timeline varies drastically depending on the term of the opportunity (fall, spring, summer) and the industry. Some companies begin recruiting a year in advance, while others hire on an as-needed basis. Whenever you decide you are interested in pursuing an internship or co-op is the best time to begin looking. This will give you the most time possible to secure an opportunity.
Some internships are paid and some are unpaid. Whether or not an internship is paid depends on many factors, including the funding available at the company. Regardless of whether or not an internship is paid, students are able to earn academic credit either though the Center or another academic department. Co-ops are always paid.
You do not have to have an internship to get a job, but an internship is one of many ways you can gain experience that will help you develop the skills and competencies employers are seeking. If you do not have the opportunity to pursue an internship, consider other forms of experiential learning, like part-time jobs, student organization involvement, community service, research, Etc.
Both an internship and co-op can be completed after a student completes all their academic requirements to graduate. However, doing so may require delaying graduation. To learn more, schedule a meeting with a career coach.
