The Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program is an immersive work experience in which students are employed full-time by a company for up to six months, which includes summer and one academic quarter, to supplement education with real-world experiences.
For the pilot program (Summer and Fall Quarter), participating departments and class levels include:
- Undergraduate: Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Chemical & Nano Engineering, and Structural Engineering.
- Graduate: Computer Science & Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Chemical & Nano Engineering, Structural Engineering.
Additional Details for STUDENTS
Additional Details for COMPANIES
International students: Learn about CPT requirements for co-op participants.
To Participate:
- Login to the Jacobs School Job & Internship Portal
- Update your resume
- Search for Co-op opportunities
Why Participate?
- More exciting projects than a traditional 12-week internship.
- Better work experience for a future career, especially with the same company.
- Co-op students often receive higher starting salary offers upon graduation than traditional interns.
What Students Are Saying
My experience doing a Co-op with Hologic was invaluable to me as a student but also someone seeking to be a working professional. As a Co-op my team spared no expense in training me and treating me like any other new hire, the specific level of investment into me as an individual is completely different from an internship. I am very thankful for the experience and it has definitely shaped how I think about my future goals and what my expectations for a great professional working environment are.
-Ian, Electrical Engineering, Master’s Degree
Looking back, the six months I spent at Hologic were incredibly important to my early career. Because I was there longer than a typical intern, I was brought into long-term projects alongside full-time employees and given a level of responsibility I didn't expect. By the end, I was running my own projects, which was easily my favourite part of the experience.
Beyond the technical work, the co-op gave me the chance to build a real network in industry. That network directly led to my full-time opportunity.
I really loved doing the co-op and found it to be a more insightful experience than just an internship, and would definitely recommend it to others.
-Harsh, Mechanical Engineering, Bachelor’s Degree
Participating Co-Op Companies
Questions? Email Jacobscoop@ucsd.edu