Co-ops and Internships
Competitive Edge
Embry-Riddle's College of Engineering Career Services Cooperative Education / Internship Program provides students with practical experience that reinforces the concepts learned in the classroom. This program aids in bridging the gap between student life and the working world, while combining the student's academic and career interests with work experience in business, industry, government, or service organizations. In tight employment markets, the program gives students yet another competitive edge, augmenting our existing superior program of coursework and hands-on projects.
Faculty Advisors
Our co-op faculty advisors come from industry and work with our Career Services professionals in developing meaningful experiences with engineering organizations. Recent offerings include: Belcan, Boeing, Cessna, Continental, Eclipse Aviation, GE Aerospace, Honeywell, NASA, NASIC, Smiths Aerospace, The Insitu Group, United Space Alliance, and X Prize Foundation.
Key elements of the co-op/internship experience are:
- Professional-level work assignments in areas related to the student's academic major. This often includes project work, statistical reports, quality control studies, layouts, analysis, inventory controls and market studies.
- Completion of learning objectives designed to relate academic studies to the work world.
- Supervision and evaluation of performance by career professionals.
What is a co-op or internship?
A co-op/internship is a monitored work or service experience in which a student has intentional learning goals and reflects actively on what she or he is learning throughout the experience. Co-ops/internships promote academic, career, and personal development. An effort is made to establish a reasonable balance between the co-op/intern's learning goals and the organizational needs and specific work done by the intern.
Work Hours
Students have the potential to earn 1 credit hour per 100 hours worked to a maximum of 6 credits per semester for undergraduates. Generally, 300 hours worked equals 3 credit hours; and a 15-week full-time program (a full semester) provides 600 hours worked equaling 6 credit hours. A typical experience lasts from three to six months. However, duration may be anywhere from a month to multiple semesters. The positions may be paid or non-paid. Compensation, housing, and benefits are offered at the company's discretion.
Why participate in a co-op or internship?
Cooperative Education/Internships offer many benefits to students. They provide a competitive edge, by providing work experience that is relevant to academic major and career goals. Co-op and internship experiences are attractive, valuable additions to resumes.
Define Career Goals
Students establish valuable professional contacts and broaden their job opportunities after graduation. The experience helps to define career goals so that more realistic job choices can be made. It increases self-confidence and interpersonal skills and enhances motivation and classroom participation by relating academics to the work world. It may also provide income to help with college expenses.
