The possibilities are limitless and the experience is invaluable.
The optional cooperative education experience, commonly known as a "co-op," provides hands on experience in industry and directly relates to academic major.
Rensselaer's highly-regarded Co-op Program offers students the opportunity to put their classroom skills to work and explore their career paths before graduation. Students can choose to work for large corporations or help start-ups get off the ground.
A Co-op is a full time, paid experience related to a student’s major/field of study that lasts a minimum of six months and upwards of eight months.
A Co-op is open to all students, all class years, except Freshman, with at least one semester of full time academic study remaining in degree program. Co-ops are traditionally full-time, paid positions.
Search for Co-op opportunities or make an appointment with a CCPD counselor through Handshake.
Co-op Quick Facts
Found a Co-op. Now What?
Undergraduate
- Download a copy of the Co-op Guide
- Forward a copy of the official offer letter and resume to: co-op@rpi.edu
- Official Offer letters should contain the following information, on company letterhead OR from an official email address:
- Name and address of employer
- Specific Start Date/End Date
- The number of hours working per week (Co-op requires full-time status)
- Hourly rate of pay
- Job description
- Name and contact information of your supervisor
- Official Offer letters should contain the following information, on company letterhead OR from an official email address:
- Schedule a co-op briefing: During the semester, dates and times of the Co-op Briefings can be found in Handshake under Events. If none are listed, please message us at co-op@rpi.edu to schedule a meeting regarding registration requirements. The meeting can be done in person, virtually or by phone. You’ll receive a Work Plan to complete at the Co-op Briefing that must be returned to us. The Co-op Work Plan includes a section for an approving signature from your Academic Advisor (and ISSS for International Students) before the Co-op can be officially registered.
Graduate
- Download the Experiential Learning Guide
- Forward a copy of the official offer letter and resume to co-op@rpi.edu
- Name and address of employer
- Specific Start Date/End Date
- The number of hours working per week (Co-op requires full-time status)
- Hourly rate of pay
- Job description
- Name and contact information of your supervisor
- Supervisor's Name and contact information
- Attend a required co-op briefing (posted in Handshake)
