What is Cooperative Education?

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What is Cooperative Education?

• Special Form of Education
• Semester Long (16 Weeks)
• Work Assignment (in major)
• Alternate with Coursework
• Hands-on Experience
• Full-time
• Paid

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College of EngineeringCo-op Program

• Applies to all ET Bachelor of Science programs
• Five year degree program
• Optional Program in ET
• 1st year is coursework only
• Spring or Summer semester of sophomore year, 1st
  co-op
• Alternate with coursework
• Increasing responsibility levels
• Athletes ROTC (summers only)

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Co-op Benefits For Students

• Transfer of skills/learning to a practical work
  experience.
• Discover different types of jobs in industry.
• Develop strong work habits and ethics.
• Test out new geographical locations.
• Gain career-related experience.
• Earn money.
• Reduced search times for finding the first job.
• Significant job advancements after graduation.

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Services to Students

• From ET Department
• Professional Development Class
• From Co-op Office
• On Campus Interviewing
• Career Fairs - Fall / Spring
• E-mail Position Openings
• IMMEDIATE RESPONSE A PRIORITY

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Co-op Director for Engineering Technology

• Functions
• Assist with developing co-op and placement
  opportunities for students
• Conduct professional development seminars
• Counsel students on co-op
• Participate in class meetings/seminars
• Work with students on resumes, mock interviewing,
  job placement
• Assist with career fairs

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Co-op Information

• Professional Development Class
• take two semesters before 1st co-op
• If you are an NCAA athlete or in ROTC, notify the
  ET Departments APC.
• Keep Grades up - 3.0 or above is preferred.
• Get involved in IEEE, Theta Tau, ACM, ASM, or
  other collegiate organizations, intramural
  sports.

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Co-op Guidelines

• Your PARTICIPATION is KEY!
• Show initiative and enthusiasm
• Be pro-active
• Be flexible in location
• Treat co-op just like an engineering course
• Attend the career fairs
• Respond quickly to email job postings - before
  deadlines
• Keep resume current at all times!

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Best Practices

• Research companies of interest
• Be courteous and professional in e-mails
• Always be early for job interviews
• Always send a thank you letter after interviews
• Never decline a job offer without talking with
  your co-op advisor
• Keep in contact with your advisor starting the
  semester before you co-op

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On the Job

• Once out on co-op
• Perform best of your ability
• Always ask for new projects - go above and beyond
• Seek out new opportunities to learn
• Network, talk with other professionals in the
  field
• At the end of co-op online student evaluation
  and employer evaluation due to Career Center
• Pay the co-op fee at end of the semester

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University of Toledo, College of
EngineeringBachelor of Science in Engineering
Technology 5 Year Co-op Plan
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College of Engineering
AVERAGE CO-OP WAGE 12.50 An Hour 12.50 X 40
Hours 500 500 X 16 Weeks 8,000.00 per
Co-op Term
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Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I get credit for my work experience?
• Do I retain my full-time student status?
• Will I get paid for my work experience?
• Do employers assist with housing?
• Do employers hire students for full-time work
  following graduation?
• Can I negotiate the wage for my co-op?
• Are taxes deducted from my wages?
• Can I participate in a work experience anywhere?
• Can I take classes while on co-op?

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Questions and Discussion
Q?
Your questions and comments are welcome.
A!