Co-op Program

Engineering at Illinois Engineering at Illinois
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Engineering Career Services

Co-op Program

The co-op program is open to all students in the College of Engineering and all degree levels, although Sophomores and Juniors are generally preferred. Typically, the co-op experience includes working 2 semester internships and one summer internship with the same employer, alternating experience with education between each term.

Streaming Video
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"Co-op with Heatcraft"
Bobby, Industrial Engineering 		  "Co-op with Hamilton Sundstrand"
Lucas, Electrical Engineering

Benefits of Participating in a Co-op Program
  • Earn money to finance education ($12-$25 per hour)
  • Potentially secure a full-time job offer before graduation
  • Start professional career early
  • Experience first-hand what practicing engineers do
  • Develop communication and teamwork skills in a professional setting
  • Build and apply technical knowledge and skills
  • Identify and refine career goals
  • Receive higher pay and status after graduation
  • Earn service credit toward professional registration
  • Receive notation of successful completion of co-op program on your University transcript

Cost of Participation
Students who participate in the co-op program need to register for the appropriate Engineering Course if they wish to maintain full-time student status. Undergrad tuition and fees for such course is approximately $1,200-$1,400 per semester and is sometimes paid by the employer.

Requirements to Participate in the Co-op Program
  • Must have completed one year of coursework (transfer students immediately eligible)
  • Must have good academic standing
  • Must be registered with ECS and sign the Experiential Learning Program Contract
  • Must submit required reports at end of work term: