Unlock your future with the KEY to your success

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Unlock your future with the KEY to your success

• Co-op

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Georgia Institute of Technology Cooperative
Division www.coop.gatech.edu
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Find us on the Hill If you are standing facing
the Tech Tower, we are the building on your
left Savant Building ground floor Corner of
Ferst and Cherry (Stinger stops here)
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What is Co-op?

• The co-op program at Georgia Tech is a five year
  academic program that combines classroom study
  with real world experience.
• Alternating school and work semesters lead to an
  academic co-op degree in your major.
• School and work terms build upon each other
  giving you advantages in the classroom and on the
  job, leading to a truly complete education.

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Advantages of Co-op

• Employers use it as a recruiting tool upon
  graduation seniority is usually accrued during
  co-op terms
• Multiple terms with the same employer allow
  in-depth practical experience
• Employers will invest in you (even in difficult
  times) because they know you will be there for
  the long term

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Co-op Organizations

• Co-op Club
• Briaerean Society
• SGA positions for co-op representatives

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Co-op Advisors by Major

• Aerospace Eng. Debbie Pearson
• Bldg Construction Wayne Thompson
• Biomedical Engineering Tom Akins
• Biology Sabrina Hall
• Chemical Eng. Harold Simmons
• Chemistry Sabrina Hall
• Civil Eng. Wayne Thompson
• Computer Eng. (A-L) Tina Payne
• Computer Eng. (M-Z) Bob James

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Co-op Advisors by Major

• Computer Science Sabrina Hall
• Earth Atmospheric Sci. Sabrina Hall
• Economics Bob James
• Electrical Eng. (A-L) Tina Payne
• Electrical Eng. (M-Z) Bob James
• Industrial Design Bob James
• Industrial Systems Eng. Lisa Jones
• International Affairs Ken Little

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Co-op Advisors by Major

• Management Lisa Jones
• Materials Eng. Harold Simmons
• Mathematics Sabrina Hall
• Mechanical Eng. (A-L) Wayne Thompson
• Mechanical Eng. (M-Z) Debbie Pearson
• Nuclear Rad. Eng. Debbie Pearson
• Physics Sabrina Hall

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Co-op Advisors by Major

• Polymer Textile Chem. Tina Payne
• Science, Tech. Culture Bob James
• Textile Engineering. Tina Payne
• Textiles Tina Payne
• Undecided College of Sci. Sabrina Hall
• Undecided Ivan Allen College B. James
• Undecided Engineering Ken Little
• International Placements Ken Little

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Beginning the co-op program

• Meet with Co-op Advisor each term
• Maintain strong GPA
• Begin clarifying your career goals and possible
  companies of interest

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The Semester Before You Work

• Attend Interview Tips Workshop
• Attend Resume Workshop
• Attend Required International Student Orientation
  if you are F-1, J-1 or other visa holder
• Meet with your advisor early in the term, and
  keep in touch regularly during your job search

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Qualifying to go to work

• Good academic standing
• Min. 2.00 GPA and no Fs the term prior to first
  work term
• Full course load during school term prior to
  first work term (Summer exception)

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Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule
Entering Freshman starting work summer after
two school semesters Requires 5
work terms
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Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule
Starting work fall after two school semesters and
the summer off Requires 5 work terms
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Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule
Sophomore going to work fall after three
semesters of school Requires 4 work terms
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Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule
Sophomore starting work spring after three school
semesters Requires 4 work terms
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No changes permitted to alternation schedule
without written approval from your co-op advisor
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Work Locations

• Your hometown
• Atlanta
• Outside Atlanta
• International assignments

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International Co-op Opportunities

• Earn a degree with the International Co-op
  designation
• Learn and use a second language
• Work at least 6 months in non-English speaking
  environment (usually available after working
  three domestic Co-op terms)
• Meet with Ken Little for details

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Co-op Resume and Transcript

• Access web registration and resume at
  http//cc.experience.com/0603/student
• Upload Microsoft Word personal resume
• OR use online resume writer
• Request an official transcript
• Copy transcripts for your co-op advisor and for
  interviews

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Reviewing Co-op Opportunities

• Meet with your advisor for resume and
  registration review
• Advisor authorizes your access to job listings
  after approving your resume
• Access job information at http//cc.experience.com
  /0603/student

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On-Campus Interviews

• Access job information for on-campus interviews
  under the Recruiting heading at
  http//cc.experience.com/0603/student
• Use this site to register for company information
  sessions
• See your co-op advisor to sign up for on-campus
  interviews
• Interviews take place in Success Center, Skyboxes
  1-15

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Direct Referrals

• What is a direct referral?
• Your resume can be sent to companies which are
  not interviewing on campus, but have co-op job
  openings listed
• Access job information for direct referrals under
  the Job List heading at http//cc.experience.com
  /0603/student
• See your co-op advisor to send a direct referral
• Employers will contact you directly, but only if
  they have an interest in you after reviewing your
  resume

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Role of Co-op Advisor

• Review your resume and registration information
• Advise you about company research
• Offer guidance during your job search
• Authorize and assign campus interviews
• Investigate your status with employers of
  interest
• Discuss your second interviews and job offers
• Complete co-op paperwork upon acceptance of co-op
  work assignment
• Monitor your work performance and academic
  progress throughout your co-op degree program

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Interview Tips

• Research the prospective employer
• Review major points you wish to emphasize
• Identify relevant questions to ask
• Dress professionally
• Be early
• Communicate effectively
• Follow-up after the interview

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Accepting an Offer

• Write an acceptance letter
• Cancel other scheduled interviews
• Meet with co-op advisor to discuss offer and
  acceptance letters
• Sign alternation schedule
• Advisor assigns registration permit
• Register for Co-op course
• International students require additional
  documentation explained in separate orientation

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Items to discuss upon accepting an offer

• Co-op assignment record
• Work report
• Housing department status
• Financial aid status
• Parking
• Address changes

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Employer Expectations

• Regular and punctual attendance
• Enthusiasm and productivity
• Professional conduct and dress
• Responsible use of phone and computer
• Communication with supervisor if concerns or
  questions arise

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Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between co-op and
  internship?
• May I change jobs?
• May I find my own job?
• May I take off a semester?
• May I participate in Study Abroad?
• May I take a course during my work term?
• May I live on campus while working?

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Frequently asked questions

• Do I pay tuition for the co-op course?
• Can I be dropped for academic reasons?
• If I work outside Atlanta, will my employer
  locate housing for me?
• What if I change my mind about participating in
  co-op or cannot find a job?
• How are salaries determined?
• How long is a work term?

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Your next steps

• Thoroughly read the Co-op Student Handbook
• Complete online registration and resume at
  http//cc.experience.com/0603/student
• Request an official transcript at
  https//oscar.gatech.edu
• Schedule appointment with your co-op advisor for
  resume approval and to gain access to job
  listings
• Review job postings and create list of employers
  that interest you
• See your advisor to discuss these opportunities,
  to schedule campus interviews, and to submit
  information for direct resume referrals

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Orientation Documents to be Completed

• Statement of Understanding
• Complete page 20 of your Co-op Handbook
• Tear it out
• Pass it to the aisle
• Blue Card Proof of Attendance
• PRINT information on the card
• Pass it to the aisle

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Cooperative DivisionThe Georgia Institute of
TechnologyAtlanta, GA 30332-0260
Phone [phone]
www.coop.gatech.edu