At Speed, the cooperative education program is an academically focused program which provides progressive experiential learning opportunities that accelerate professional development and prepare students for a successful career in industry, research or government. While students are gaining practical experience in their field, they acquire an understanding of the workplace, integrate theory and practice, and have the opportunity to further develop professional and interpersonal skills.
Students normally co-op with the same employer for the three alternating semesters. There is no contract or fee for the employer to participate. The employer’s role is to:
- Interview Co-op candidates and select a student.
- Provide full-time work that is relevant to the student’s major, appropriate for the level of student, and appropriate for a semester time period.
- Provide increasingly challenging work assignments over the course of the three co-ops.
- Identify an engineering supervisor willing and able to mentor the student.
- Provide a competitive hourly wage (amount set by employer).
- Complete a short performance evaluation of the student’s performance.
- Review the student’s Co-op report.
The Career Development and Co-operative Education Office will help through the co-op hiring process by providing candidate resumes, setting up interview schedules, and assisting with all logistical needs.
