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Co-op ONLINE� Session & Meeting

  1. What is and Why a co-op?
  2. Who can apply?
  3. FAQ’s
  4. YOUR Next Steps�

By attending today’s virtual session you will have �completed the “required” meeting with me.

  • Ms. Thurman

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What is a Co-op?

  • An ACADEMIC* opportunity where students gain experience prior to graduation *Noted on transcript, ENGR 3500 (0 credit hours)
  • Full-time, approx. 40 hours a week (we do not keep track of your hours)
  • Paid + some companies will provide benefits and/or relocation and/or�housing assistance
  • Students must 2 or 3 semesters (Spring, Summer and/or Fall)
  • Students can start: early January, mid-May or end of August �(follow the school calendar with start & end dates)
  • Can do a back-to-back + one OR alternating

(for example: spring-summer + one, summer-fall, + one �OR spring, summer, fall- any combo but not in a row)

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Who Can Apply?

  • Undergraduates with an overall GPA of 2.5 or higher �*Students must continue to maintain GPA requirement during their co-op participation �
  • Completed freshmen/first year classes successfully (may vary by major) *some depts want you “done” with the first semester of the 2nd year. Need to be ‘in’ the department for your major. (Not OSDS freshman advising)�
  • Transfer students will need to have 12-13 credit hours completed. Again, will depend on your major when you are approved. Every student’s situation is slightly different.�
  • Most students typically cannot do a co-op during their senior year.

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Why Co-op?

  1. Gain Experience, Earn Top $, Pay NO Tuition *$60 fee & Maintain Full-Time Status (spring, fall)-which allows you to use the student services, live on campus and keep your health insurance, UREC - special pricing- next slide� (earn $20-28/hr)
  2. Co-ops: earn more job offers, hiring starting salaries and typically are more ‘secure’ with their decision on where to work upon graduation �
  3. Employers favor co-ops over interns, because they know it is a higher commitment level by the �
  4. For high demand industries or companies? Look for co-op positions�
  5. In the state of NC: co-op work sessions (NOT INTERNSHIPS) will count towards your “years of experience” needed to be a PE (Professional Engineer)�
  6. You can co-op ANYWHERE in the world or you can live on campus if you stay local

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FAQ’s

Q. Can I take classes and co-op? A. It depends

  • The class cannot interfere with your standard, required work hours
  • Taking a class WILL result in a tuition bill/fee & any applicable student fees
  • Some students (who are out of the area) may choose to take an online or evening class a community college and transfer back the credit
  • You may not receive your full government financial aid to pay for your class

Q. Am I penalized if I drop out of the co-op program after I complete my rotation? �A. No but you may burn a bridge with that employer

Q. Do I have to return to the same co-op employer? � A. Ideally yes, BUT we need to know why you do not or cannot return for your next ‘co-op work session’

Q. Can I use the UREC center? YES, special fee.

https://urec.charlotte.edu/memberships

Q. Should I find a co-op opportunity then apply to the program?

A. It depends, if you meet the eligibility requirements then you can start looking for a co-op. You can always get approved by the college for a co-op then go look for one. You usually can adjust your co-op/school plans if the co-op requires you to.

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YOUR Next Steps

�1) Visit career.charlotte.edu and search ‘co-op’ � complete the Required Course Plan Form

2) Email it to your dept. co-op advisor (see below)

3) Then, upload BOTH the signed form & offer letter and� create an entry to the online tool called ‘Experience’ �*For your future co-op work sessions, just create another ‘entry’ in Experience.

4) Once approved, by me, Ms. Thurman, the Career Center� will issue you a a permit to register for ENGR 3500 co-op� course� (for every semester when you are working as a co-op)

Civil & Environmental Engr: Ms. Kristy Lowman�Electrical & Computer Engr: Dr. Jim Conrad, PE�Mechanical Engr: Dr. Jonathan Beaman�Systems Engr: Dr. Agnes Ozelkan�Engineering Technology: Dr. Yamilka Baez-Rivera

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