Employer Information
Why is Cooperative Education a good return on investment for employers?
Co-ops can seed your company's talent pipeline.
students who participate in co-op programs can grow into tomorrow's well trained, full-time employees
Co-ops bring supplementary technical support to short and long-term projects
Students can help complete existing projects, initiate new projects, and free up employees to take on other company assignments.
Co-ops present minimal financial cost and risk to employers.
Students who participate in co-op for 3 to 6 months (and longer) offer you an evaluative framework to effectively conduct a long-term interview with a potential job candidate.
Co-ops broaden workforce diversity as cultural and competitive necessities.
Students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds can build a deeper domestic bench of inclusive STEM talent.
Co-ops bring fresh perspectives to a company.
Students are learning new technologies and new skill sets, and they can contribute fresh perspectives to solving business problems.
Co-ops give back to your community.
Students bring their co-op experiences back to campus and the community, building positive brand awareness. companies with co-ops are leaders in responding to workforce shortages and skills gaps in workforce development.
A Few Employer Testimonials!
"Having worked closely over the last two decades with students from Texas State University’s Ingram School of Engineering in varying engagements, the level of students has been above our expectations. The students come prepared, professional, skilled, and engaged while being ready to add value to the organization from the start. These qualities speak to the level of dedication from the faculty and staff to prepare engineers to meet industry needs."
James Mulhall, Senior Manager, Tokyo Electron America, Inc.
"Talent development and successful team building are challenging in today’s environment. Co-op opportunities provide multiple advantages for employers and the co-op students, collectively. Work performed by the co-op student is meaningful and adds value to the company while providing the student with an opportunity to experience the company’s culture and offerings in a structured environment. The company's success depends on the strength of its employees collectively and their ability to function as a cohesive unit. Co-op opportunities help ensure that the right student is paired with the right company and will ensure long-lasting success for both parties."
Shawn Rockey, Technical Manager, Customer Integration Manager, Power Systems, Cummins, Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does the ISoE Cooperative Education Program only include engineering majors? Are non-engineering majors eligible for this program?
Undergraduate students who have declared majors in civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and mechanical engineering are eligible to participate in the ISoE Co-op Program. Applicants must have > 2.25 GPA. Other majors are not eligible for this program in the Ingram School of Engineering.
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As an employer, can I recruit engineering students for both co-ops and internships?
Yes, you can advertise and recruit for both types of positions or just one, if preferred. We strongly encourage employers who want to recruit our students to post available positions on Handshake.
Handshake is the online platform used by Texas State University for sharing employment opportunities with TXST students and alumni. Opportunities posted on Handshake enable the Cooperative Education Coordinator, faculty, and staff to share the position with TXST engineering students.
We understand there can also be last-minute openings or manager requests, and we will work with you to meet your hiring needs.
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Do engineering students gain academic credit for both co-ops and internships?
No. Students gain academic credit for co-ops only through the Ingram School of Engineering Cooperative Education Program. ISoE students do not receive academic credit for internships.
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Can an internship count as a co-op - so that engineering students can receive academic credit?
Yes! Some employers do not differentiate between internships and co-ops. In order for an internship to be considered as a co-op for academic credit:
- Students must first meet with Dr. Michelle Londa, Cooperative Education Coordinator, to discuss the details of the internship so that she can determine if it meets co-op standards and eligibility requirements.
- The internship position must be full-time or part-time and meet the required minimum hours and work terms to be considered as a co-op for either ENGR 3190 or ENGR 3290.
- Students cannot receive academic credit retroactively. All approvals and the application process must be completed prior to a student beginning their internship/co-op.
- The internship supervisor must complete and submit the Supervisor’s Evaluation form at the conclusion of the work term.
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When is the best time for employers to recruit engineering students for co-ops?
The fall semester tends to be the busiest time recruiting for co-ops that start in the spring and/or summer. Typically, if you are recruiting a semester before your start date, you should have a good number of qualified students to consider.
Where can employers recruit?
TXST STEM Career Fairs are typically held in September and February. We welcome you to come to campus to recruit during these career fairs and/or to talk with our staff in Career Services to schedule a company tabling event on campus. Please contact the Office of Career Services if you'd like more information about these recruiting opportunities: hire@bobcat@txstate.edu.
Recruiting guidelines for prospective employers:
https://www.careerservices.txstate.edu/hireabobcat/recruiting-guidelines.htmlEmployers can also connect with any of the student organizations in the Ingram School of Engineering to give a presentation about their company and co-op opportunities.
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Can I hire engineering students for my global divisions or for co-ops outside of Texas?
Yes! ISoE students have participated in co-ops across the nation and internationally. Both employers and student participants have found this to be an invaluable experience!
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Are engineering students expected to return for another co-op rotation once they complete the first?
Once a student completes a co-op position, it is between the employer and the student to decide if the student will return for another co-op.
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Is there a fee for employers participating in the co-op program?
No!
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Are all co-ops paid positions?
Co-ops are paid positions.
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How do I make a co-op job offer to an engineering student?
Employers should reach out to the student applicant directly with the terms of the offer.
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I have a few more questions; who can I contact?
Michelle Londa, Ph.D.
Cooperative Education Coordinator
Associate Professor of Practice
Ingram School of Engineering, Texas State University
(512) 245-3064 | michelle.londa@txstate.edu
The Employer Engagement Team from Career Services also welcomes your questions and is happy to assist you with Handshake or if you are interested in participating as an employer at our career fairs.
Give us a call at 512-245-2345 or email hireabobcat@txstate.edu.