Consider Co-Op at CSM!
Click here to learn about internships.
WHAT IS CO-OP?
The mission of the CSM cooperative education program is to provide an undergraduate academic program that combines degree-related work and study. You must apply to this program before you begin your work assignment. It requires you to work in a job which is associated with your academic major, and to set some educational objectives for the work period.
At the end of the work period, when you return to school, you will:
- Enroll in the Co-Op specific class for your major.
- Write a Co-Op report that is graded by the your Faculty Co-Op Advisor in your department.
- Receive a Co-Op grade based on the supervisor’s evaluation from your employer and your report.
- Earn up to 3 hours of credit for a Co-O\experience and, in some departments, are allowed to substitute this credit for a free elective.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM?
There are two basic requirements to apply for Co-Op:
- You must complete 3 semesters at CSM (2 for a transfer student) before going on Co-Op.
- Students must also have a 2.0 grade point average and be in good academic and disciplinary standing.
WHERE ARE CO-OP JOBS POSTED?
Co-Op job opportunities are posted on DiggerNet, www.diggernet.net. A link to co-op postings can be found under the "Job Search" column, on the left side of the homepage.
ARE CO-OP STUDENTS PAID?
Yes, the employer pays the Co-Op student a salary which is appropriate for the work. Co-Op salaries are at least in-line with traditional summer intern position salaries, and are often higher than intern positions.
WHEN DO STUDENTS WORK?
Most Co-Op terms extend from May to December or from January to August. Occasionally a Co-Op term does not include the summer. There are three basic work plans:
- Traditional Alternating: Students alternate semesters of work and school year-round until graduation. Many companies prefer this schedule.
- One Term: A one-time, 6-8 month long work experience with no commitment to a later experience.
- Parallel: Students work full-time during the summer and part-time for two consecutive semesters (20+ hours per week).
WHY SHOULD I DO A CO-OP?
Completing a Co-Op has many benefits!
- An opportunity to apply and integrate the theories and knowledge gained in the classroom to the “real world,” working with professionals in your field of study using state of the art technology.
- A way to increase your prospects for after-graduation employment, including the possiblity of obtaining a job offer faster, and even a higher starting salary.
- Through this experience, students often gain a clearer sense of their academic major and career goals.
- The work experience is paid, which helps cover a portion of your college expenses. Some employers count Co-Op work experience towards promotional requirements for years of experience.
COMPANIES THAT RECRUIT
FOR CO-OP AT CSM
American Airlines
INTEL
North Star Steel
Central Federal Lands Highway Division
Dow Chemical
Peabaody Energy
BP
Kennecott Energy
Electronic Arts
EPA
Micron Technology
NASA
Nucor Steel
Storage Tech
Merrick & Co.
Avaya
Starsys Research
URS
Caterpillar
Granite Construction
Felsburg Holt & Ullevig
Parsons
