X
Home Herff College of Engineering Students Student Information Mechanical Co-op Program

Cooperative Information for Employers

Put your Mechanical Engineering Degree to work before you graduate.

WHAT IS CO-OP?
A cooperative education program, or co-op, allows mechanical engineering students to alternate periods of
academic study with full-time periods of paid work experience related to their academic and professional goals.

BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN A CO·OP PROGRAM:

  • Apply what you are learning in class to real-world engineering challenges
  • Bolster your resume and enhance the level of your next job and salary offer
  • A competitive wage commensurate with the position (current average is $20/hr)
  • Work abroad or explore national co-op opportunities
  • Gain a competitive advantage – companies are more willing to consider co-op students for employment
    when they graduate
  • Earn class credit

HOW DOES IT WORK?
You will be registered in a 3-credit hour course during work periods in order to maintain full-time student status. Your co-op experience will be recognized on your academic transcript. Since you will maintain full-time student status, you can remain covered under your family’s health and auto insurance at student rates, and your student loans will not be affected.

CO-OP ELIGIBILITY AND RETENTION:
To participate in the co-op program, a student must:

  • Have completed 30 credit hours of coursework in the mechanical engineering degree with a minimum of 15 credit hours at the University of Memphis
  • Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good academic standing at the University of Memphis
  • Have coursework remaining following the work experience
  • Complete at least two consecutive semesters of coursework before starting another co-op rotation
  • Complete a co-op orientation offered by Engineering Career Services
  • Complete the student-employer co-op agreement
  • Maintain enrollment in MECH4397: Mechanical Engineering Practicum throughout the co-op assignment, including summer semesters

CAREER ADVISORS HELP WITH ALL ASPECTS OF PARTICIPATION IN THE PROGRAM:

  • Determine if a co-op is right for you
  • Prepare your application materials (resumes, cover letters, etc.)
  • Research companies and job search strategies for co-op, internships and beyond
  • Interview preparation
  • Monitor your progress with your employer
  • Future career planning based on work-integrated learning experiences