Cooperative Education/Internship
What is Cooperative Education/Internship?
The NDSU Career Center defines Cooperative Education/Internship as career-related, paid work experiences for credit. As a Co-op/Intern student, you use what you've learned in the classroom and apply it to a related work environment. Cooperative Education/Internship is a program for all majors and helps a student to:- test a career decision before graduation
- gain a competitive edge in the professional job market
- gail real life experience
- earn money to help with college expenses
- network with professionals and potential employers
- improve resume writing, job search, and interviewing skills
How can I work and still be a student?
By registering for a full-time NDSU Co-op/Intern (working 300 hours or more per semester), you retain your full-time student status (even if you are not taking any additional classes/credits). While completing a full-time assignment (3 credit Co-op/Intern):- student loans do not come due
- those covered by family health insurance will not be dropped
How does Co-op/Intern fit in my NDSU schedule?
- Parallel: Students work part time with a local employer and still take classes at NDSU.
- Alternating: Students alternate between attending classes on campus full time for a semester and working full time on a Co-op/Intern assignment for a semester.
- One Semester: Students work on a Co-op/Intern assignment for one semester only.
- Consecutive: Students work 2 or 3 semesters in a row. Cooperative Education/Internship assignments may be completed during any semester. Summer semester is a very popular time to do a Co-op/Intern.
How many credits will I earn?
The NDSU Cooperative Education/Internship Program calculates the number of hours worked per semester to determine the number of Co-op/Intern credits earned.- 100-199 hours per semester = 1 credit
- 200-299 hours per semester = 2 credits
- 300 + hours per semester = 3 credits
- all majors are eligible to participate
- Minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA prior to Co-op/Intern placement
- Field experience is directly related to the student's major field of study and/or career goals
- Student must be engaged in learning by actively participating in the work experience
- Student registers with eRecruiting
What are the costs?
Cost per credit for 2007/2008 academic year is $208.87 for undergraduate and $224.01 for graduate credit plus applicable fees of $39.49 per credit.As with all tuition, fees are subject to change. Since many NDSU students have the opportunity to do more than one Co-op/Intern session, credits are half price after the first 3 credits are earned. Payment for credits is the responsibility of the student, unless covered by the employer or a third party. A growing number of Cooperative Education/Internship employers are making the investment in NDSU students by paying the cost of the Co-op/Intern credits.
How do I register with the Career Center?
With eRecruiting, students have the ability to register with the Career Center, create a resume, view job listings, and sign up for on-campus interviews from any computer connected to the web. To register for actual Co-op/Intern credits, students will meet with an Internship Coordinator.Registering for Co-op/Intern Credits
To register for Co-op/Intern credits and to complete the necessary forms, students will meet with an Internship Coordinator. If a student is extending an out-of-town Co-op/Internship (or is registering from out-of-town for a first time Co-op/Intern), he/she must contact an Internship Coordinator at (701) 231-7111.How do I get a Co-op/Intern job?
- Many students will find the Co-op/Intern position of their choice through eRecruiting. Employers list opportunities for registered students to view.
- Some students find positions related to their major on their own and want to earn Co-op/Intern credit. Schedule an appointment with a career specialist to discuss your position.
- Other students have a "dream job" in mind. Internship Coordinators are available to assist students in brainstorming other resources used to develop an individualized Co-op/Internship.
How can I use my Co-op/Internship for my business practicum?
Co-op/Intern (BUSN 397; ACCT 397) is one way to complete the College of Business practicum requirement. Follow these steps:- Obtain faculty approval of the Co-op/Intern work assignment.
- Discuss learning objectives and additional assignments with faculty advisor.
- Sign Cooperative Education/Internship Agreement.
- Meet with Career Center Internship Coordinator to register for Co-op/Internship credits.