There are MANY ways to get career-related experience during college.
- Find opportunities by logging into Handshake.
- Participate in undergraduate research.
- Gain experience through part-time work or a summer job.
- Complete an internship (usually a one term experience in summer, but not always). Some academic programs require an internship as a part of course requirements.
- Participate in cooperative education (co-op). Co-ops are full-time work periods (typically 6-12 months). You can gain valuable full-time work experience directly in your field of study.
- Build skills and civic responsibility by engaging in volunteerism through WVU Tech's Service and Learning program.
- Acquire leadership skills by joining a student club or organization.
- Gain experience by working on campus.
Cooperative Education and Internship Program
The Cooperative education (co-op) and internship program provides an opportunity for students to apply what they learn in the classroom to career-related experiences and employment.
Benefits of cooperative education and internships include:
- Earn money to finance college education
- Explore career opportunities
- Enrich classroom learning through real-world experience
- Accumulate actual career-related work experience
- Enhance marketability after graduation
- Establish professional contacts
- Improve communication and interpersonal skills
- Co-op students are often offered high-paying, full-time employment from their co-op sites upon graduation
Career Services assists students by providing services such as:
- resume development and review
- interviewing prep
- job search strategies
- access to employers through career fairs and on campus recruitment
Eligibility:
All WVU Tech students are eligible to participate in the cooperative education and internship program, however, some majors may require a specific experience. For those programs, it is best for students to work directly with their academic advisor and Career Services to ensure that all academic requirements will be satisfied by the experience.
International Student Requirements:
International students may participate in the cooperative education and internship program by completing an application for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).