Co-operative Education Experience
The possibilities are limitless and the experience is invaluable.
RPI's highly regarded Co-op Program offers students the opportunity to apply classroom skills 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. It is open to students in all class years except freshmen, with at least one semester of full-time academic study remaining in their degree program.
Search for Co-op opportunities or schedule an appointment with a CCPD counselor through Handshake.
Internship
Internships offer students a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in their desired field.
An internship is a short-term work experience, typically lasting three to six months, and may be full- or part-time depending on the employer and career field. Internships can take place during the Fall, Spring, or Summer.
Search for internship opportunities or make an appointment with a CCPD counselor through Handshake.
Learn More About Co-op/Internship Requirements
Found a Co-op/Internship. Now What?
Undergraduate
- 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
- 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)
All International students are required to register their employment/Away Semester with the ISSS Office. You must submit supporting documents that meet all stated requirements, in order to keep your visa status current with the Institute. All offers of employment are subject to review and approval by both the CCPD and ISSS.
