How do I get a Co-op Job?

After a scheduled meeting with your Career Advisor, you will create a resume to upload into your ASU CareerLink account. You can then apply for Co-op positions posted in the ASU CareerLink syste,.

How is a Co-op different from an internship?

Co-op  positions are usually on-going and are at least two semesters in length.  Credit is not granted by the Co-op office but students can investigate receiving academic credit as an internship/independent study through their individual academic departments. Co-op positions are always paid. Most students start in a Co-op job in the Sophomore or Junior year and keep the position until  they graduate.  Some are offered full-time work upon graduation with the Co-op employer.  Co-op students do receive non-credit academic recognition on the transcript. 

Do you also list internships?

Co-op conducts referrals for paid internships only.  The Career Center posts unpaid and sometimes paid positions for students interested in getting internship experience for review. Many academic departments also post positions students can utilize often for credit and no pay.   

How is a parallel Co-op job different from a regular part-time job?

The position must have a component that is related to your major or career interest with the opportunity to build experience as you continue  through your academic course work.  It is closely monitored by the Co-op office through evaluations and site visits to ensure the arrangement is meeting the expectations of the program for both the student and employer.  Parallel positions are usually 25 hours a week in addition to taking classes.  

Will alternating delay my graduation?

Alternating can delay your graduation but the experience you will gain will  increase your marketability for great positions when you do graduate.  Most alternating students have a greater academic record because they are only focusing on one thing at a time. Since most of our  assignments are local, some students choose to work during the day on  the alternating assignment and take one or two classes at night to keep up.  However, this must be approved by the Co-op office and your site supervisor. 

What are the average earnings of a Co-op student?

Parallel students generally make $8-10 an hour and alternating students generally earn $10-12 an hour.    

What majors are the most popular for Co-op?

Accounting and Computer Science are the two most popular, but the office also receives many listings in other areas of Business, as well as opportunities for Liberal Arts, Education and Science majors.

Will Co-op affect my financial aid?

Like any job, your earnings for the year may affect your eligibility for the following year but most students continue to receive some form of  aid.  Many of our participants continue on HOPE and receive other types of grants/loans to finance their education.

Where are positions available?

All of our postings are in the CSRA, the furthest commute would be to Aiken. Students wanting to relocate on Co-op alternating assignments outside of Augusta can inform the Co-op office to investigate opportunities outside of the area.

What if I change my major?

We will encourage you to work a notice with your Co-op employer if you are no longer receiving experience related to your interest area and then work with you to find other opportunities.  

Can I Co-op with more than one employer?

Yes, only if you have completed the two semester minimum with your current Co-op employer and informed them of your desire to look at other opportunities. If you leave a Co-op position before the required two semester commitment, we will hold your information from referral for one semester.  This is the only way to be fair to our Co-op employers and not "steal" a Co-op from one to place work with another.

Questions or comments about Co-op?
contact The Career Center at 737-1604