Unlock your future with the KEY to your success… Co-op

Georgia Institute of Technology Cooperative Division

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 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)

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Entering Freshman starting work summer after two school semesters – Requires 5 work terms

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Starting work fall after two school semesters and the summer off – Requires 5 work terms

Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Sophomore going to work fall after three semesters of school – Requires 4 work terms

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  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

On-Campus Interviews  Access job information for on-campus interviews under the “Recruiting” heading at  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  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 Request an official transcript at 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 Attendance 1. PRINT information on the card 2. Pass it to the aisle

Cooperative Division The Georgia Institute of Technology Atlanta, GA Phone: