Career Services

What are co-ops and internships?
What is the difference between a co-op and an internship?
Why should I pursue a co-op/internship?
How do I find a co-op/internship?
When are Co-op Search Strategies Workshops offered?
What are NKU’s Co-op and Internship Services?
When is the current Co-op Enrollment Deadline?
How do I register for co-op credit?
Additional Information and Forms

What are co-ops and internships?

Co-ops and internships are opportunities that combine learning with work and offer a unique experience for career exploration.  The essential component is that as you are working, you have structure and intentional objectives to learn about a career field.  These positions may be full- or part-time and short- or long-term.  Some employers have formal internship programs while others only offer internships/co-ops on an informal basis.  If you are already working in your field of study, you may be able to turn your current position into a co-op or internship.  Undergraduate and graduate students may pursue co-ops and internships.

What is the difference between a co-op and an internship?

• A co-op is a paid work experience, related to the student’s major (or minor), with academic credit earned.  The student enters into an agreement among the employer, a specific faculty member in the academic department, and Career Services staff. 
• An internship is a curricular work experience for academic credit which may or may not be paid.  Internships are offered in a few academic departments.

Why should I pursue a co-op/internship?

• Explore potential careers
• Learn how to conduct a job search
• Build work-related skills
• Experience a “3-month interview” because you and the employer will be evaluating each other for good fit, skills and opportunities, etc.
• Network with people in your field
• Become more marketable for your future job search
• Earn 300-level academic credit which counts toward your total required hours for graduation

Before you begin your co-op search, you should reflect on:

• Your interests, strengths, skills, and experiences
• The skills you hope to gain or refine through a co-op
• The types of careers that interest you

If you need career advice, such as deciding on a major, Career Services also offers assessments and individual advising appointments to help determine how your particular interests and skills might match skills needed for various careers.

Once you are comfortable with your major and want to begin pursuing your career goals, schedule an appointment with a Career Advisor for assistance with your co-op/internship search.

How do I find a co-op/internship?

To find out more about our co-op and internship services and the methods of locating an internship, please attend one of the Co-op Search Strategies workshops and seek assistance from a Career Advisor.

When are the Co-op Search Strategies workshops offered?

• Spring 2013 Programs are over; check back soon for Fall schedule.
  

What are NKU’s Co-op and Internship Services?

• Norse Recruiting, an online system that includes co-op/internship postings; details on workshops, career fairs, and other events; and an employer directory.  Employers can also use this site to search for qualified students.
• On-campus interviews for some internship/co-op opportunities – schedule these through Norse Recruiting.
• Walk-in Hours for a quick, 15-minute resume/cover letter review with a Career Advisor without an appointment. 
• Individual appointments with a Career Advisor to discuss co-ops and provide help in tailoring your own co-op search plan.
• Internship and co-op employment resources in the Career Library, located in Career Services.
• Workshops on job search-related topics such as Interviewing Techniques and Resumes & Cover Letters.
• Internet Resources with links to dozens of websites related to co-op searches
• Annual career fairs where you can explore possible co-ops and/or full-time employment.  All students welcome!
  

When is the current Co-op Enrollment Deadline?

Spring 2013 CO-OP DEADLINE: Friday, April 5, 2013
Summer 2013 CO-OP DEADLINE: Friday, July 12
Fall 2013 CO-OP DEADLINE: Friday, November 8.

IMPORTANT: Only hours worked between your enrollment and the end of the semester can be counted.  So if you are working 25 hours/week and wish to earn 3 credits, your deadline is 12 weeks before the end of the semester (300 total hours needed ÷ 25 hours/week = 12 weeks.)  You will want to allow 1-2 weeks to print and complete the paperwork, obtain the job description, secure the signatures of your employment supervisor and Faculty Coordinator, and then submit to Career Services. The final deadline for 1 credit in any term is 4 weeks before the last day of class.

How do I register for co-op credit?

Students in most majors will take CEP 300 for co-op credit.  Graduate students may also enroll for CEP 600.  To find details on every step of the enrollment process, please click here for the Co-op Handbook - Step by Step Guide.

Additional Information and Co-op Forms:

• Co-op Handbook (Step by Step Guide) – REQUIRED READING!
• Student Agreement/Job Approval Form
• Learning Objectives Form
• List of Faculty Coordinators by Major
• Student Self-Evaluation
• Employer Performance Appraisal
• Co-op Frequently Asked Questions