Intro to Cooperative Education

Cooperative Education, or co-op, gives you the opportunity to gain meaningful work experience before you graduate! It will help you futher define your career path and fully realize the value of what you are learning in the classroom. For some of you it is a required, for others, it is an option.

What is Co-op?

Cooperative education at RIT is full-time, paid employment directly related to your field of study for a minimum period of 10 weeks (single quarter) or a minimum period of 20 weeks (2 consecutive quarters or “double-block”). Next fall RIT is transitioning to the Semester System, visit the Co-op Schedule page for more details.

Co-op begins after you have completed the first two years of coursework in your academic program, in most cases. (This may differ for masters degree students -- check with your academic department). Most students alternate quarters of coursework with quarters of co-op during the last three years of your program. Your academic department determines your co-op/academic schedule.

Cooperative education is a unique kind of education. It is different from summer employment, and different from an internship. Co-op employment...

... is related to your field of study
... is full-time, productive work
... is paid
... increases in complexity and challenge according to your academic level
... includes formal evaluation and documentation of your performance

Co-op gives you the opportunity to:

Apply much of the theory you are learning in your course work
Experience a typical work day and focus your career choice
Earn a reasonable salary which will help you finance your education
Take a breather away from your "grind" as a student
Develop additional technical skills and enhance vital personal skills such as judgment, written and oral communication, teamwork
Make contacts (network) that may be helpful when you seek full-time employment
Be a more attractive candidate for full-time employment after graduation and probably obtain a higher starting salary than students without co-op experience

Employers benefit from co-op in a number of ways:

Co-op students are flexible, highly motivated, technical employees who join the work force at relatively low cost to the employer.
Your presence can free up an employee's time for long-range projects.
Your abilities and potential for permanent employment can be assessed on the job.
Your new ideas and enthusiasm are often professionally stimulating to full-time employees.
You serve as the employer's "good will ambassador" to other RIT students and faculty, facilitating recruiting and other relationships.

Financial Aid While on Co-op

While you are enrolled for a co-op assignment, you are not charged RIT tuition for the quarter. Therefore, with the exception of the Federal Pell Grant, you are not eligible to receive financial aid for the co-op quarter. Financial aid includes federal and private alternative loans as well as grants and scholarships. If you have any questions regarding your co-op earnings and financial aid, you should contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

Housing During and After Co-op

Students who co-op in Rochester may stay in RIT housing. Students who co-op out of town are typically responsible for finding their own housing near the employer’s location. Some companies provide housing assistance in the form of subsidies or housing allowances, or space in locations they own or rent for this purpose. Most employers will at least provide a list of apartments or housing options to assist students.

Students who return from co-op are guaranteed on-campus housing, if they were in RIT housing prior to leaving for co-op, however, preferences are not guaranteed. RIT Housing Operations communicates with students via email and provides information on how to apply for housing when you return to campus.

International Students

International students need work authorization from RIT International Student Services and cannot co-op until after three consecutive full-time academic quarters of study have been completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Am I guaranteed a co-op job? A: No. But, remember the Office of Co-op and Career Services does guarantee we will help you in any way we can with your search. By being flexible on your expectations and fully utilizing the resources available to you, you will become skilled in successfully conducting your job search.

Q: Do I receive credit for co-op? A: Standard academic credit is not given for co-op. However, you earn "credit" in that your department assigns a grade of "S" when you have met all of their requirements and have successfully completed your co-op assignment.

Q: Do I pay tuition for co-op? A: You do not pay tuition or any institute fees while on co-op even though you remain eligible to utilize all the facilities and services of the Institute - such a deal!

Q: How much do I get paid? A: It is ultimately up to the employer, but they often base it upon comparable co-op salaries and a candidate's experience. There may be room for negotiation. Your employer also determines eligibility for benefits, if any. Check our web site for the latest co-op salary data.

Q: What type of work qualifies for co-op? A: You should strive to be in a position that will give you hands-on experience that you have never had before. Jobs, which are listed by the Office of Co-op and Career Services, are "approved" co-op positions. If you obtain a co-op position on your own and are not sure if it is acceptable, see your program coordinator, faculty advisor or department chair before accepting the job. Keep in mind that if the job meets the criteria it doesn't matter if a company calls the job an internship or temporary employment.

Q: Am I guaranteed a co-op job? A: The answer is no. You are not placed into a co-op position, but rather you apply and go through the same hiring process you will when you look for a job after graduation (which is great practice).
The Office of Co-op and Career Services do guarantee we will help you in any way we can with your search. By being flexible on your expectations and fully utilizing the resources available to you, you will become skilled in successfully conducting your job search.

Q: What is the length of a co-op? A: A single co-op block is the same length as an academic quarter. This means at least ten weeks at 35-40 hours per week (total of 350-400 working hours) in duration. You may, in fact, work longer - as long as thirteen weeks- depending on your exam schedule the preceding quarter and on your employer's needs. A double block is two consecutive quarters of work, without a break in between. Many students are scheduled for double blocks, others may choose to double block. (To be sure co-op will not preclude your taking courses you need check with your academic department before committing to a double block). You and the employer negotiate the start date and the expected end date of the work period.

Q: Can I stay in Rochester? A: Maybe. Some co-op jobs are located in the Rochester area. Depending upon your program, there may be many or very few positions in Rochester. Competition for these positions can be very keen. It is not advisable to limit your job search to any one specific area. You will enhance your chances of landing a professionally rewarding position if you are geographically flexible. You should seriously consider all co-op opportunities in your career field for which you qualify, regardless of location.

Q: Where will I live if I leave Rochester? A: Many out-of-town employers provide some help in finding temporary housing. The assistance varies: some companies will provide a list of possible apartments and room rentals; some will pay for a hotel for a few days while you are looking; some have co-op housing already arranged. It is a good idea to check with the colleges in the area because residence hall space is frequently available, especially in the summer. It is appropriate to discuss your housing concerns with an employer once an offer has been made.

Q: Can I work overseas? A: Yes, but start early! Visit our Work Abroad page for more information.

Q: Will my employer pay my relocation expenses? A: Maybe. Some employers, especially those located out of state, will pay for all or part of your relocation expenses. It is important to have a clear understanding of your obligation before accepting a co-op position if extensive travel expenses are anticipated.

Q: Do I have to pay taxes on what I earn? A: Yes. According to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service salaries/wages paid to co-op students are fully subject to applicable federal income taxes. They are also subject to applicable state income taxes. Any type of personal income should be assumed taxable unless IRS regulations specifically declare it to be "excludable" (i.e., tax-exempt). There is no exclusion of co-op wages in current regulations. International students are required to pay federal and state income taxes but not FICA (social security tax). It should be understood that the above information/advice is provided only as a convenience for you and is not legally binding. Students seeking further info should contact the Internal Revenue Service.

Q: Can I collect unemployment insurance? A: Once your co-op employment with a company has ended, you are not eligible to collect unemployment insurance benefits.