Students
Co-operative Education
What is Co-operative Education?
Co-operative Education (or Co-op) integrates hands-on, paid, career-related work experience with a student's academic program, providing valuable training in your chosen career field. The work can be part-time and run parallel with your coursework, or it can be full-time and completed by alternating semesters with your academics.
A Co-op is managed as a USF course and is administered by the Center for Career &
Professional Development. Unlike an internship, a Co-op has formal requirements for
the employer and the position that must be met, as well as assignments for the student.
Why should I consider a Co-op?
Co-ops offer truly in-depth experience within a student's chosen career, building
upon the knowledge, competencies, and skills learned in the classroom with real world
experience. Employers engaging in Co-ops are investing in the program as a means to
develop their future workforce, so the opportunity for a student to be offered a position
post-graduation is high if they perform well.
When should I pursue a Co-op?
The timing for a Co-op depends on the employer's recruiting cycle (some are lengthy),
the student's academic standing, and other factors. If interested in pursuing a Co-op,
students are encouraged to immediately contact the on their campus to discuss this option.
Where do I go to find a Co-op opportunity?
Start with the Center for Career & Professional Development on your campus to explore the Co-op partnerships that USF has with key employers to learn more.