RIT is a World Leader in Cooperative Education
For more than 90 years, the hallmark of an RIT education has been the practical, paid work experience provided through cooperative education. RIT was among the first universities to begin cooperative education back in 1912, and today our co-op program is the fourth oldest and one of the largest in the world.

About 3,300 RIT students completed more than 5,000 co-op assignments last year and are employed by nearly 2,000 employers coast to coast and overseas. Co-op is one of the most effective means for employers to identify and acquire key talent – few institutions have done it as well and as long as RIT. RIT’s extensive experience and resources allow us to successfully meet the needs of nearly all types of employing organizations.

Partnering with RIT
• RIT is one of the nation’s top comprehensive universities, setting the national standard for career-oriented education.
• You gain easy access to a highly-qualified, career-focused talent pool. Our reputation for excellence is built on an academic portfolio designed to meet the current and future needs of business and industry.
• RIT’s Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services responds to your staffing needs with personal, individual attention and offers a com-plete range of solutions and services to assist you in sourcing candidates.
• RIT’s quarter system means our students are available to begin work at four different times during the year.

Advantages to HIring a co-op student
Employers enjoy many benefits from hiring co-op students:
• Co-op students produce immediate and valuable results at relatively low cost
• Students bring fresh perspectives, ideas and knowledge to your workplace
• Your employees, with the help of co-ops, can take on new tasks and assignments
• The most promising students can be recruited to full-time assignments upon graduation
• Co-ops act as goodwill ambassadors for your organization when they return to campus
• Co-op opens the door for developing other valuable partnerships with RIT

Frequently Asked Questions
Does my position fit the definition of co-op?
Cooperative education at the Rochester Institute of Technology is defined as full-time, paid work experience directly related to the student's field of study and career interests. Students work directly for the employer and are held to the same standards and expectations as other employees. Co-op is designed to be a learning experience for the student as well as a productive working assignment for the employer. The experience should emphasize real-world tasks and responsibilities that grow with the student's increased knowledge, skills, and experiences. Our office can work with you to ensure your position meets RIT’s expectations.

How and where will a co-op student fit into my organization?
Outline some of the projects and activities when you need assistance. These should be related to the potential student's academic major and career interests. Try to develop a position that would involve a variety of tasks and projects. It would be helpful to provide an opportunity for interaction with employees in various parts of your organization.

What are some important considerations in becoming a co-op employer?
Plan for appropriate supervision and mentorship of the co-op student. Review potential job responsibilities to determine if they are appropriate. Establish an appropriate pay and benefit structure, which may include assistance to the student in relocating to your area and obtaining safe and affordable housing.

When are students available for co-op?
RIT is on a "quarter system." Students are available to work in three or six month periods or work "blocks." Our recruiting calendar outlines specific work availability.

Do I need to sign a contract with RIT?
No. Just provide a job description and RIT's Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services will post your position online and assist you in identifying the most appropriate student candidate pool. The hiring decision is always determined by each employer on a one-to-one basis with the student.

Who determines the salary for the co-op student?
A s the employing organization,you do. We provide guidelines of salaries paid to current co-op students and can assist you in determining an appropriate wage.

Does the employer assist with housing or
relocation costs?
Employer housing assistance ranges from providing housing recommendations to arranging subsidized living quarters.

How do I decide on the kind of student that would match my needs?
Discuss your employment needs with a program coordinator in the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services. We can provide information on RIT’s academic programs and facilitate contact with faculty.

I'm interested! What should I do now?
Hiring a student is easy. Start by posting a job or by calling us at 585.475.2301.