Co-op

Cooperative education (often shortened to “co-op”) is an educational model in which a student alternates traditional academic semesters with semesters spent working in the field.

Building on our signature co-op programs in design, engineering, IT and business, we are creating flexible pathways to meaningful, career-oriented, compensated experiences for all UC students. We are expanding our reach to all corners of the university, meeting students where they are, and responding to the evolving needs of a global workforce.

We’re making the benefits of cooperative education more accessible to students who must maintain part-time jobs, those who take courses while working to stay on track academically, and those who have little to no professional preparation or work experience before enrolling at UC.

By integrating quality work experiences into your education, you can:

• gain professional, major-related work experience while still a student
• develop cross-cutting skills (also called transferable skills) that are valued by any employer, and learn how to talk about those skills confidently in an interview
• evaluate potential career options
• expand your professional network
• enhance your resume
• earn income

• Explore our formal co-op programs in Business, Design, Engineering, and IT
• Explore ways to gain experience through Arts and Sciences co-op, on-campus co-op, and Service-Learning co-op
• Browse paid co-op and internship opportunities on Handshake (UC student login required)
• Talk to your academic advisor about taking a professional development (PD) course to prepare yourself to succeed in applying for co-ops, internships, and later jobs
• Explore resources offered by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio or one of UC’s other career centers