Co-ops & Internships: An In-Depth Look
What’s the Difference between an Internship and a Co-op?
The terms internship and co-op are often used interchangeably, however, traditionally internships are short-term and can be done on a part-time or full-time basis. They are often unpaid and are typically done for academic credit.
Co-ops, on the other hand, combine full-time work experience with academics, alternating a semester of school with one where you’re working. Work terms are typically 4 months long but can vary in length. Unlike most internships, co-ops are usually paid and typically count toward your degree. So, at the end of the program you not only have your degree but also up to two years of work experience.
Who Should Do an Internship/Co-op?
Internships and co-ops are great for everyone and are highly recommended to:
- Students without any work experience in their field
- Students doubting their decision about their field of study (it’s better to find out earlier rather than later that you need to switch into another program).
What are the Benefits?
Internships and Co-ops allow you to:
- Try out a career to see if it’s the right choice for you.
- Get answers to any questions you have about the career or field.
- Gain valuable work experience and to strengthen your skills.
- Build your resume (and with more students doing internships and co-ops, employers are starting to expect them on your resume).
Plus they also:
- Give you the potential to earn more money once you graduate because they provide you with valuable work experience.
- Don’t require a long- term investment
Finding the Right Placement
There are a number of different types of internships and co-ops, so choose wisely. Within internships alone there are academic internships (for credit), professional internships (paid or unpaid with no academic credit), internship exchange organizations, and internships with international organizations. The latter two can be paid or unpaid and are typically not done for academic credit.
Co-ops can be either mandatory or optional placements. This depends on the program you’re enrolled in. Placements are usually paid.
To determine which is right for you, you need to do your research. Determine what you’re looking to get from the experience. Can you afford to work for free? Can you afford to dole out money for travel and accommodation expenses? Do you want a summer internship? These are just some of the questions you need to ask to find out which opportunity is right for you.
TIP: If you are unsure, make an appointment with a career advisor in your campus career center. Advisors are a great resource. Not only can they help you determine which type of opportunity is best suited to you, but they can help you with your application process and can advise you on making the most of your placement.
How to Get One?
First, decide what field interests you and what your future career goals are. From there begin to research possible internship or co-op opportunities. Job fairs are always a good place to start, as they give you the opportunity to speak with recruiters. Companies sometimes visit campuses to find intern and co-op students, check with your career center to find out which companies are visiting.
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, start sending out your resume and cover letter. Remember to tailor it to the company and to have someone look it over before sending it out.
Co-ops usually require a more vigorous application process. Make sure to attend any necessary lectures or seminars for co-op programs to decide which is right for you. Visit your career center to discuss your options with a career counselor. When you know the program you want, the final task is to polish up your resume and cover letter to be sent to potential employers.
What Careers offer Internships/Co-op Opportunities?
What careers don’t! There are a wide variety of fields that offer the opportunity. It is hard to find an industry or organization that is apposed to having an intern around the office/job site. Companies see internships as a vital opportunity to prepare students eager to enter the field for possible hiring afterwards. It also provides them with someone to do odd jobs and mini projects that employees may not have time to tackle.
Leave a Positive Impression
Remember, regardless of whether your placement reinforces that you’re on the right or the wrong career path, you always want to leave the employer with a positive impression. So, conduct yourself professionally, work hard and remember to thank the employer for the opportunity.
MYTH: All internships are paid and offer credits.
REALITY: Some don’t offer either so be willing to work for free! Students should be aware that some internships are not only unpaid but also do not offer a credit.
Did You Know?
That some companies hire exclusively for their intern pool! So remember to work hard and make a great impression...if you do, a full-time job offer just might come your way.
Make the Most of Your Internship
Do
- Investigate the internship before hand
- Arrive on time
- Focus on learning all you can from professionals about the company/industry
- Listen carefully
- Take initiative
- Network
- Ask a lot of questions
- Stay busy
- Find a mentor
- Accept constructive criticism gracefully
- Speak to people in all job positions
- Take the job seriously
Don’t
- Be late
- Dress too casually
- Leave work undone
- Wait for your supervisor to figure out you need a new task
- Overstep your authority
- Use the telephone or Internet for personal use
- Seem uninterested in the profession
- Be intimidated
Jobpostings magazine September 2007 edition
By: Liz Foley and Darlyn Stevenson
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