Where to Begin and Advantages of Participation
Freshman year is not too early!
Since co-op and internships can begin as early as the sophomore year, you could begin to think about co-op and internships during your first year in college. Since it is possible to complete several co-op or internship assignments before graduation, you will want to think about where in your academic progress that co-op/internships will benefit you the most.
Start your search at least a semester ahead of the semester you want to participate.
It takes time to complete your resume and locate, apply for, and interview for positions. For example, if you are looking for a fall opportunity, begin during the spring term or perhaps during the weeks prior to the start of classes in the fall. Having position listings on the Internet through UNI CareerCat makes it easy to stay on top of available openings. If you are looking at a summer co-op or internship, begin your search during the early part of the spring term, unless you are in a field such as accounting, where employers start interviewing as early as the prior fall semester. Co-op/internship orientation meetings for spring and summer opportunities are held the first half of fall semester.
Advantages of a Co-op/Internship Experience
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
