Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a structured educational program, blending classroom learning with practical work experience. It provides structured and progressive work experience through multiple semesters of work. Co-op positions are always paid. Undergraduate students register for one academic credit for each semester they are working, which allows them to maintain their full-time student status. Many students working under the Co-op Program are engineering students, but positions are available for other majors as well.

There are two Co-op work options:

Alternating: Students alternate between full-time semesters of work and full-time semesters of academic study. To complete the program, three alternating semesters of work are required for undergraduate engineering students; two are required for undergraduate students in non-engineering majors and graduate students. Note: Back-to-back semesters of work are considered to be valuable work experiences, but cannot be included as part of a student's co-op program. The University Cooperative Education Program is designed around the premise that the timing of the students' work experiences and academic coursework facilitates a developmental relationship and greatly enhances the overall educational experience. They are, instead, considered as extended internships.

Parallel:Students work an average of 20 hours per week within commutable distance of the Gainesville area, while continuing to attend class full time. To complete the program, six semesters of parallel experience are recommended for undergraduate engineering students, and four are recommended for undergraduate students in non-engineering majors and graduate students.

Co-Op Requirements:

  • Maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA at UF (some employers may require a higher GPA).
  • Complete at least 30 semester hours at UF prior to the first work term. Transfer and graduate students must have completed at least one semester at UF prior to their first term.
  • Verify with your academic adviser that there is sufficient time remaining in your academic program to complete the required number of co-op work assignments.

Getting Started:

  • Register with Gator CareerLink and upload your resume.
  • Set up a file with the Co-op Office in the Career Resource Center.
  • Conduct research on organizations by reviewing employer literature in the CRC Library and through the Internet.

Students may identify Co-Op positions by:

  • Searching on Gator CareerLink.
  • Participating in the Career Showcase and company information sessions held each semester.
  • Searching a variety of career-related Internet sites and company Web pages.
  • Networking with UF academic department personell, family, friends, etc.
  • Using Career Connections, a database of alumni interested in providing assistance)

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