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Co-op

Georgia Institute of Technology

Cooperative Division

www.coop.gatech.edu

Find us on “the Hill”

If you are standing facing the Tech Tower, we are the building on your left

Savant Building – ground floor

Corner of Ferst and Cherry

(Stinger stops here)

What is Co-op?

The co-op program at Georgia Tech is a five year academic program that combines classroom study with real world experience.

Alternating school and work semesters lead to an academic co-op degree in your major.

School and work terms build upon each other giving you advantages in the classroom and on the job, leading to a truly complete education.

Advantages of Co-op

Employers use it as a recruiting tool upon graduation; seniority is usually accrued during co-op terms

Multiple terms with the same employer allow in-depth practical experience

Employers will invest in you (even in difficult times) because they know you will be there for the long term

Co-op Organizations

Co-op Club Briaerean Society SGA positions for co-op

representatives

Co-op Advisors by Major Aerospace Eng. – Debbie Pearson Bldg Construction – Wayne Thompson Biomedical Engineering – Tom Akins Biology – Sabrina Hall Chemical Eng. – Harold Simmons Chemistry – Sabrina Hall Civil Eng. – Wayne Thompson Computer Eng. (A-L) – Tina Payne Computer Eng. (M-Z) – Bob James

Co-op Advisors by Major

Computer Science – Sabrina Hall Earth & Atmospheric Sci. – Sabrina Hall Economics – Bob James Electrical Eng. (A-L) – Tina Payne Electrical Eng. (M-Z) – Bob James Industrial Design – Bob James Industrial & Systems Eng. – Lisa Jones International Affairs – Ken Little

Co-op Advisors by Major

Management – Lisa Jones Materials Eng. – Harold Simmons Mathematics – Sabrina Hall Mechanical Eng. (A-L) – Wayne Thompson Mechanical Eng. (M-Z) – Debbie Pearson Nuclear & Rad. Eng. – Debbie Pearson Physics – Sabrina Hall

Co-op Advisors by Major

Polymer & Textile Chem. – Tina Payne Science, Tech. & Culture – Bob James Textile Engineering. – Tina Payne Textiles – Tina Payne Undecided College of Sci. – Sabrina Hall Undecided Ivan Allen College – B. James Undecided Engineering – Ken Little International Placements – Ken Little

Beginning the co-op program

Meet with Co-op Advisor each term Maintain strong GPA Begin clarifying your career goals and

possible companies of interest

The Semester Before You Work

Attend Interview Tips Workshop Attend Resume Workshop Attend Required International Student

Orientation if you are F-1, J-1 or other visa holder

Meet with your advisor early in the term, and keep in touch regularly during your job search

Qualifying to go to work

Good academic standing Min. 2.00 GPA and no F’s the term

prior to first work term Full course load during school term

prior to first work term (Summer exception)

Y ear 1 2 3 4 5

Fall Semester

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Spring Semester

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Summer Semester

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule:

Entering Freshman starting work summer after two school semesters – Requires 5 work terms

Y ear 1 2 3 4 5

Fall Semester

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Spring Semester

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Summer Semester

Out of School

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule:

Starting work fall after two school semesters and the summer off – Requires 5 work terms

Y ear 1 2 3 4 5

Fall Semester

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Spring Semester

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Summer Semester

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Optional

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule:

Sophomore going to work fall after three semesters of school – Requires 4 work terms

Y ear 1 2 3 4 5

Fall Semester

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Academic Studies

Spring Semester

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Work Term

Academic Studies

Summer Semester

Out of School

Academic Studies

Work Term

Optional

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule:

Sophomore starting work spring after three school semesters – Requires 4 work terms

No changes permitted to alternation schedule without written approval from your

co-op advisor

Work Locations

Your hometown Atlanta Outside Atlanta International assignments

International Co-op Opportunities

Earn a degree with the International Co-op designation

Learn and use a second language Work at least 6 months in non-English

speaking environment (usually available after working three domestic Co-op terms)

Meet with Ken Little for details

Co-op Resume and Transcript

Access web registration and resume at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

Upload Microsoft Word personal resume OR use online resume writer Request an official transcript Copy transcripts for your co-op advisor and

for interviews

Reviewing Co-op Opportunities

Meet with your advisor for resume and registration review

Advisor authorizes your access to job listings after approving your resume

Access job information at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

On-Campus Interviews

Access job information for on-campus interviews under the “Recruiting” heading at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

Use this site to register for company information sessions

See your co-op advisor to sign up for on-campus interviews

Interviews take place in Success Center, Skyboxes 1-15

Direct Referrals What is a direct referral?

Your resume can be sent to companies which are not interviewing on campus, but have co-op job openings listed

Access job information for direct referrals under the “Job List” heading at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

See your co-op advisor to send a direct referral Employers will contact you directly, but only if

they have an interest in you after reviewing your resume

Role of Co-op Advisor Review your resume and registration information Advise you about company research Offer guidance during your job search Authorize and assign campus interviews Investigate your status with employers of interest Discuss your second interviews and job offers Complete co-op paperwork upon acceptance of

co-op work assignment Monitor your work performance and academic

progress throughout your co-op degree program

Interview Tips

Research the prospective employer Review major points you wish to emphasize Identify relevant questions to ask Dress professionally Be early Communicate effectively Follow-up after the interview

Accepting an Offer

Write an acceptance letter Cancel other scheduled interviews Meet with co-op advisor to discuss offer and

acceptance letters Sign alternation schedule Advisor assigns registration permit Register for Co-op course International students require additional

documentation explained in separate orientation

Items to discuss upon accepting an offer:

Co-op assignment record Work report Housing department status Financial aid status Parking Address changes

Employer Expectations

Regular and punctual attendance Enthusiasm and productivity Professional conduct and dress Responsible use of phone and computer Communication with supervisor if concerns

or questions arise

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between co-op and internship?

May I change jobs? May I find my own job? May I take off a semester? May I participate in Study Abroad? May I take a course during my work term? May I live on campus while working?

Frequently asked questions

Do I pay tuition for the co-op course? Can I be dropped for academic reasons? If I work outside Atlanta, will my employer

locate housing for me? What if I change my mind about

participating in co-op or cannot find a job? How are salaries determined? How long is a work term?

Your next steps:1. Thoroughly read the “Co-op Student

Handbook”

2. Complete online registration and resume at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

3. Request an official transcript at https://oscar.gatech.edu

4. Schedule appointment with your co-op advisor for resume approval and to gain access to job listings

5. Review job postings and create list of employers that interest you

6. See your advisor to discuss these opportunities, to schedule campus interviews, and to submit information for direct resume referrals

Orientation Documents to be Completed

Statement of Understanding 1. Complete page 20 of your Co-op Handbook

2. Tear it out

3. Pass it to the aisle

Blue Card = Proof of Attendance1. PRINT information on the card

2. Pass it to the aisle

Cooperative DivisionThe Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, GA 30332-0260

Phone: 404-894-3320

www.coop.gatech.edu