Frequently-Asked Questions - Employers

What is the difference between cooperative education and an internship?

A co-op works for one employer two or more full-time work terms/semesters, with the work terms usually separated by a semester or two of full-time study at the University. Co-op programs are commonly used at universities where there is an engineering curriculum, but are often used for computer science and other technical majors, as well. An intern typically works only one term (but sometimes longer) for one employer. During the school year students usually participate in an internship on a part-time basis. The UNI Co-op/Internship Program handles both co-ops and interns.

Can we participate if our organization does not have a formal cooperative education or internship program?

Yes. The majority of organizations hiring co-op/intern students have no formal program. They simply have a need for college-trained, temporary help. Some employers hire co-op/intern students for their regular job openings, some for special projects, vacation fill-ins, or during peak work periods. (If you would like to discuss developing a formal program, we would be pleased to be of assistance.)

Is there a specific time period that students must be employed while doing their co-op or internship?

While there is no specific number of work hours required, it is in the best interest of the student and the employer for the student to work enough hours to make a contribution to the employer and to gain a meaningful work experience. At a minimum, the work experience should not be less than fifty hours total. In general the work periods follow the academic calendar, although starting and ending dates may be negotiated.

How can students go to school and complete a co-op/internship at the same time?

Many students do work at full- or part-time jobs while going to school. During the fall and spring semesters, most students opt to work for local employers on a part-time basis, 10-20 hours per week, while taking courses. Work hours are determined by employers’ needs and students’ class schedules. During the summer, most students work full-time, and many are open to working in other parts of the state and country.

How much are co-op and intern students paid?

The pay rate is arranged between the student and the employer. Pay rates are influenced by the industry, the labor market, and the skill level of the incoming student employee. Many employers set the pay at a rate appropriate for a beginning employee with the same skill and experience. Part-time co-op/intern positions are paid on an hourly basis, but summer full-time students often are paid a salary or a commission. You may contact the Cooperative Education/Internship Program for up-to-date information about pay rates by academic major.

Do any students work in non-paid positions?

Yes, but most students placed through this program receive some form of compensation, usually in the form of an hourly wage. Other forms of pay include a commission or stipend. On occasion, a student will accept an unpaid position to gain experience in his/her chosen field of employment. In general, however, students are concerned about earning money to help pay for their expenses and their education, and paid positions may attract larger pools of interested candidates.

Are there available resources to help pay for the cost of hiring a co-op/intern?

A limited number of positions, usually from non-profit organizations, are eligible for assistance through the federal work-study program. Students who participate in this program have demonstrated financial need and have applied and been accepted for financial assistance through the UNI Financial Aid Office. Contact the Cooperative Education/Internship Program for additional and up-to-date information.

Do I need to pay unemployment taxes for co-op/intern employees?

No. Iowa employers do not pay Iowa or federal unemployment taxes for co-op/intern student employees. (Employers from other states should check their state unemployment tax guidelines.) Students who have been hired for co-op/intern positions are not eligible for unemployment after the end of their co-op/internship term.

What happens to the position when the student completes his/her co-op or internship work period?

At the employer's request, we will seek to provide another qualified student to fill the vacancy. Employers in the vicinity of Cedar Falls often offer continuing part-time employment at the conclusion of the more formal co-op/internship period.

How do students find out about positions that we have listed with the Co-op/Intern Program?

All of the positions we receive are listed on the Internet through a program called UNI CareerLink. That way, students who are registered with the program have full access to your position listings 24 hours a day. Many position listings are also brought to the attention of the appropriate academic departments, so that professors can announce them in class or otherwise direct registered co-op students to apply.

Is there a way to meet with students informally to visit with them about co-op/internship and other employment opportunities?

There are several ways for you to do this. Academic Advising and Career Services offers several fairs during the school year, which offer an efficient way for employers to showcase their products/services and meet students. You may also contact student organizations to inquire about opportunities to speak at a meeting or arrange other settings for meeting with their members. You may also want to contact the student newspaper, the Northern Iowan, to place an ad.

May I interview on campus?

Of course! We welcome having employers interview on campus. Contact our Recruitment Coordinator and we will reserve a room, advertise your position to students, and set up the interview schedule. Pre-select interviews (link) require notice five weeks ahead of the intended interview date; manual sign-up interviews require less lead time. Students must be registered with the co-op/internship program (or for full-time services, with the placement program) to participate in on-campus interviews.

How much paperwork is involved in hiring a student through the Co-op/Internship Program?

Very little. After the student is selected, an agreement is signed by the student, co-op staff member, faculty co-op supervisor, and employer. This agreement simply states the beginning and ending work dates, rate of pay, and list of responsibilities to which all parties agree. In addition, the employer completes a one-page evaluation of the student's work performance at the end of the internship period.