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What
is Co-op and how does it work?
Cooperative Education is an academic program
which combines learning in the classroom with learning on the job. It
provides the student with professional work experience that compliments
classroom studies. Students typically work with practicing engineers gaining
first hand knowledge of opportunities within their chosen career field.
Co-op students work for a minimum of three full-time work terms with the
same employer -- alternating terms between work and school, or consecutive
terms. Students do not receive credit for co-op and do not pay tuition,
but are considered full-time students while they are working. Students
maintain regular full-time student benefits such as, school loans not
coming due, ability to live on-campus
Who
can participate in co-op?
Students must be in good academic standing,
and remain in good standing. They must have completed at least - 18 hours
for graduate students OR 24 hours for undergraduate students - by the
time they want to start work.
What
is the difference between a co-op and an internship?
While both co-ops and internships provide many
of the same benefits, the difference is DEPTH of experience.
Internships are one-time placements, typically during the summer, that
last about twelve weeks. Co-ops are at least twelve months in length and
provides a more realistic view of what a position in your field will be
like upon graduation. Since co-op positions last much longer than internships,
students are often given projects of entry-level engineers and gain more
responsibility each work term.
How
is my financial aid affected by Co-op?
Students are not eligible for IIT scholarships while participating in a co-op.
Additionally, the income that students earn while working in a co-op must be reported
on the FAFSA and may affect the student's financial aid package the following
year. For more detailed information, please call the Office of Financial Aid at
312.567-7219
Do
I get credit for co-op?
You
will receive administrative credit for co-op. This means that your co-op experience
will appear on your transcripts. This is important because it verifies you experience
to future employers and for state licensing requirements. Co-op experience can
count toward the professional employment component in the state engineering licensing
requirements. Your co-op work experience will not earn academic credit; although
you may be able to use a co-op work experience as part of a research or independent
study class. You would need to speak with your faculty advisor to investigate
this option.
Do I pay tuition if I co-op?
You
do not pay tuition for co-op. But there is a $200 registration fee for each semester/quarter
that you participate in the program.
How much money can I expect to make while
I co-op?
While the major purpose of the co-op
program is to gain direct experience in your field, you will be paid while you
work. It is difficult to estimate how much you will make because each industry
has different salary ranges. If you have specific questions regarding salary,
contact the CMC and we can share with you what current students are earning in
your industries.
How long can I co-op?
The
CMC requires a minimum of 3 full-time semesters of co-op for undergraduate students
and two full -time semesters of co-op for graduate students to earn the co-op
certificate. This certificate is presented to you at graduation with your diploma.
It verifies that you completed the full co-op program at IIT. If you work as a
part-time co-op the requirements are 6 part-time semesters for undergraduates
and 4 part-time semesters for graduate students.
Am I required to stay with the same company
throughout my co-op period?
Yes.
It is preferred that you continue with the same company throughout your
entire co-op period. The objective of the co-op program is to give you
a progressive experience with an employer. This requires more than one
semester with that employer. Co-op seeks to integrate your academic preparation
with your work experience. To do this successfully means that you have
a significant amount of time with that employer to achieve this goal.
There are times when a co-op placement may be changed. These mostly occur
because of company downsizing due to poor economic conditions or if a
co-op student significantly changes his or her majors. Any changes MUST
be approved by the CMC.
Can I live in campus housing while I co-op?
Yes.
As a co-op you retain your status as a full time student. You can continue to
live in campus housing during your co-op. If you have specific questions about
the housing, please contact the housing department.
What will happen to my medical benefits while
I co-op?
Again as a co-op you retain your full
time student status and keep all of the benefits of a full time student. You may
be covered by your employers insurance while you are on the job. You can opt out
of the university medical coverage for the semesters that your employer covers.
But when you are not working, you must continue with the university coverage.
If you have specific questions regarding medical coverage, contact health services.
Can I co-op in any city?
Yes.
IIT has many co-op students working outside of the Chicago area.
Can
I co-op if I’m an international student?
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