Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Co-ops and Internships

Engineering cooperative education/internship programs combine classroom studies with supervised work experiences. You are employed by an industry business or government organization in a position related to your major field of study. Positions may be located anywhere in the world. Cooperative education/internships blend theory and practical work experience.

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering strongly encourages students to do summer work, internships, or co-ops while they are seeking their BS degree. This gives you practical experience in the field, which is good for both academic reasons and professional goals.

Engineering Career Services Resources

Departmental Resources

How Does it Work?

Students on an official Iowa State sanctioned co-op or internship must be registered for an Iowa State class and maintain full-time student status. You do not pay any tuition or fees, and your employer pays you for your work. An internship is generally a semester and a summer, a co-op consists of two alternating semesters and a summer, and a summer work period usually lasts about 10 weeks during summer break. See Engineering Career Services for more information on these experiences.

How Do I Start?

First, gain an understanding of the Engineering Career Services rules located on their Cooperative Education, Internships, and Summer Programs page. Then, hunt for a job using ISU CMS or other online job boards. To participate in the program, you are expected to maintain a satisfactory academic and disciplinary record while attending classes at the university and a satisfactory work record while you are employed. Refer to the following table for a quick summary:

StepAction
1

Start early. Some companies establish closing dates for summer applications as early as January 1, while others take applications through May. Investigate your job options and opportunities, selecting likely jobs and companies. ISU CMS and the Engineering Career Fairs are great resources to use in your search. If you are considering working abroad, contact the International Programs office.

2

Update (or create) your resume and send it to selected companies.

3

Conduct polite contacts as necessary. Hopefully during this stage you will be invited to interview, perhaps more than once. Optimally you will receive an offer.

4

Accept the job offer, if desired. Be aware that some companies may send an offer two days before classes start for the next semester, or operating budgets dictate a hiring freeze after you have been interviewed. The best thing you can do is be flexible and prepared.

5

Verify the start date, salary, and supervisor information at a minimum. You will need these details later. You also should make sure you are aware of other aspects of employment, such as benefits and insurance coverage.

 

Taking Care of ISU Business

Once you have received an offer and have decided to accept, complete the following tasks:

StepAction
1

Complete the appropriate fields on the Employment Acceptance Form (EAF), located on the Engineering Career Services (ECS) Web site. You will need to print this form and turn it in when you meet with your advisor.

2

Read the College of Engineering Co-op/Intern/Summer Work Checklist available on the ECS Web site. Read it carefully and follow all applicable steps.

NOTE: Be aware that you will fail the co-op/internship course if you do not complete the employment information sheet near the beginning of each work term, and the student evaluation and the OPAL assessment at the end of each work term.

3

Get your advisor's approval and signature on the EAF. The advisor checks to confirm that you are an Iowa State engineering student and that you did not accept the position while on temporary enrollment.

4

Take the EAF form to Engineering Career Services in 308 Marston Hall.

5

Sign the employment agreement with the company. Once you have done this and ECS approves the EAF, ECS will provide you with a reference number to register for an "R" credit class.

 

Taking Classes While on an Internship or Co-op

The College of Engineering generally discourages students from taking courses if you are involved in a full-time work experience, but taking one or two classes may be acceptable. Please discuss any plans to take classes during a work experience with your academic advisor.