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Information for students and employers

Co-op and Internship Programs

Co-op and Internship Programs

Students from any St. Thomas Engineering program (mechanical, civil, electrical and computer) are encouraged to participate in industrial projects and paid work experiences which complement their respective academic fields of study. 

Co-ops and internships provide an opportunity to integrate academic learning experiences with valuable work experience in industry.

Students in co-ops have paid-full-time work at a company during the fall or spring semester. Students remain registered at the university through a special engineering section.

Internships are paid work opportunities during the summer months or part-time during the semester. Only International students need to register for a zero-credit engineering section for visa purposes.

Contact

Dr. Genevieve Gagnon

Fellow - Mechanical Engineering
Gagnon Genevieve faculty bio headshot
Email
gagn5892@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
651-962-5774

Co-op or Internship – What’s the difference?

All engineering students are encouraged to have at least one internship or co-op experience. By working independently with a company, students gain valuable first-hand industry experience. Students are primarily responsible for finding internships and/or co-ops.

Professor discusses with a potential co-op provider

Co-ops

A co-op is a full-time paid work experience during the fall or spring semester which gives the student experience and opportunity to gain skills in a particular field. Students remain registered at the university through a zero-credit engineering section. Students are eligible to apply for a co-op semester after declaring their Engineering major. All employers in engineering co-ops are required to pay a reasonable wage.

Student networks with potential internship providers

Internships

Internships are another great way for students to gain valuable work experience in industry. Internships are paid work opportunities during the summer months or part-time during the semester. Only International students are required to register for a zero-credit engineering section for visa purposes. Employers are required to pay a reasonable wage.

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What’s in it for you

Co-op Benefits for Students

  • Gain valuable experience and insight on future professions while training and working with a company.
  • Integrate academic learning experiences with lessons learned outside the university setting.
  • Real-world applications of student’s academic learning.

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Hire a Tommie

Co-op Benefits for Employers

Benefits include:

  • Employers train and work with engineering juniors and seniors and can potentially offer students a permanent job.
  • Co-op students serve as a recruitment and marketing tool when they describe their work experience to other students.

Employer Responsibilities – Co-op Program

  • Provide a work experience related to a student’s field of study. Support the student’s development and fulfillment of learning objectives specific to their program.
  • Provide a nurturing, mentoring environment that is supportive of young engineers.
  • Provide employment for 40 hours per week during the fall or spring semester. 
  • Provide payment of a reasonable wage.