The Engineering Cooperative Education and Internship program at The University of Iowa supports students as they explore and develop their careers through periods of professional practice. These are professional, engineering-related experiences in business, industry, education, or government that are recognized by the College of Engineering. The program is structured to have goal setting at the beginning, analysis and reflection at the mid-point, and evaluation and feedback at the end. Experiences range from ten-week summer internships to multi-term co-ops. Students find co-ops and internships in several ways including career fairs, job search sites, applying directly through the company's web site, networking, personal connections, and Handshake (the University of Iowa’s primary online recruiting system). 

To stand out from the competition when applying for engineering positions, a co-op or internship experience before graduation can make a big difference. All students in the College of Engineering are eligible to participate in the co-op and internship program upon completion of one full semester at the University. Students are encouraged to begin their search early so that they may acquire a co-op or internship experience starting the summer after their first or second year. Students have completed co-op and internship assignments at many companies around the country and world.

After a student has accepted a co-op or internship position, they need to register their experience with the college for it to be noted on their transcript and documented as an experience related to their curriculum. Students' academic records, and the details of the work experience, are reviewed before giving them special permission to register for a 0-semester hour course needed to maintain student status during semester-long positions.  To register your co-op or internship please complete this form.

Benefits

Career Development: Develop professional and career skills through experience and application
Career Exploration:  Experience and evaluate a variety of positions and organizations
Competitive Edge:  Increase competitiveness and salary for full-time positions
Documentation:  Receive transcript verification for qualified work experience while retaining student status.*Engineering internships and co-ops that are documented on your transcript can count towards your Professional Engineering (PE) License.

Course Expectations

The 0-credit course is taken as a pass-fail option where students are asked to complete all assignments to pass.  The assignments include:  Goal setting, an experience photo, a reflection paper, and an experience evaluation.

For more information, contact:
Travis Greenlee
Director, Engineering Career Services
The University of Iowa, College of Engineering
3612 Seamans Center for the Engineering Arts & Sciences
Iowa City, IA 52242
travis-greenlee@uiowa.edu
319-335-6280