There are a number of benefits to participating in a co-op/internship experience:

• Earn academic credit toward graduation
• Reinforce and apply classroom learning in a work setting
• Gain career-related experience for your resume
• Explore future careers in your field
• Confirm your career choice
• Network with professionals in your field
• Make contacts to serve as references for future employment
• Get exposure to recent information and techniques in your field
• Develop general skills in communication, problem solving, and decision-making
• Increase your understanding of the operations, requirements, and environment of organizations within your field
• Strengthen your self-confidence, resourcefulness, and self-discipline
• Increase your employment opportunities after graduation, and
• In most cases, earn money.