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