UC Co-op Program: Bridging education & career experience

Whether you’re aiming for a job in tech, business, engineering or healthcare, UC’s co-op connects you with top employers, helping you stand out when it’s time to launch your career. Ready to see how your education can meet professional experience? Let’s explore what UC’s co-op program can offer.

Cooperative education, or co-op, is an academic program that allows students to gain professional work experience while still in college, combining classroom study with paid, major-related employment. The University of Cincinnati pioneered cooperative education in 1906 and has been a catalyst to organizations reconsidering how jobs are designed and adapted for future growth.

The university has relationships with businesses all over the world and will help put you in contact with them via career fairs, career coaches, speaker sessions on campus or the internal job board called Handshake. A co-op career comes in many forms at UC, allowing students to gain real-world experience the same time they are completing their degree.

UC is ranked fifth in the nation for co-ops and internships (U.S. News Best Colleges 2024) and students earn a collective $88.8 million annually working for thousands of employers including GE Aviation, Disney, Toyota, Kroger, Procter & Gamble and many more. 

Degree programs in business, design, engineering, and IT at UC are built around the co-op experience and their connections to various companies. Most even build time into the curriculum to develop your portfolio or resume.

Participating in a co-op program at UC can also help reduce how much you need to borrow for school, making college a lot more affordable in the long run.

At the University of Cincinnati, the Bearcat Promise is our commitment to you: every student will graduate with both a degree and a personalized career plan. From day one, you’ll have access to career coaching, resume help, mock interviews, and more through the Bearcat Promise Career Studio — a welcoming space where you can drop in for advice or schedule one-on-one support.

Whether you’re exploring your options or preparing for your dream job, UC helps you stay career-ready every step of the way. With tools like self-assessments, professional headshots, and interview practice booths, you’ll be set up to confidently launch your future.

When students start: Co-op typically begins during your second year, though timing may vary by program.

Placement process:

• Career Services helps students with resume building, interview prep and job search.

• Placements are made through student initiative and employer partnerships in fields like engineering, healthcare, business and design.

• Your co-op adviser is your go-to for anything related to your co-op search, preparation and placement. They’ll help you navigate your opportunities and ensure everything aligns with your academic goals.

What to expect:

• Students work full time for one semester or a full academic year.

• Alternating work-study model allows students to gain hands-on experience while earning money — and their degree.

• Co-op provides valuable networking opportunities, and approximately 95% of co-op students either continue their education or secure employment after graduation.

• Co-op coordinators offer ongoing support throughout the process, from interviews to resolving any issues during the work term.

Other ways to gain experience:

• Experiential learning opportunities: The University of Cincinnati has one of the largest experience-based learning programs in the world, with thousands of students participating in some form each year.

• Internships or flexible co-op at UC: Flexible co-ops are career-related experiences open to most majors and may be part time, full time, paid or unpaid. Students can also earn academic credit through a professional development course.

• Study abroad: Today’s employers are looking for candidates who possess global and intercultural fluency. Going abroad either to work or to study can build your resume and distinguish you from other candidates in a job search

On average, students earn between $1,700 and $2,500 per month during a co-op assignment. Wages are set and paid by the employer and can vary based on the field, industry, and a student’s experience level. 

Students in these programs complete two to five full-time, paid co-op terms before graduating, each lasting 15 to 18 weeks. Alongside real-world work experience, students take an online course to support their academic and professional growth — and often receive full-time job offers from co-op employers after graduation.

​The University of Cincinnati’s co-op program collaborates with a wide array of employers across diverse industries, offering students invaluable real-world experience. Top employers include Siemens, Kroger, Procter & Gamble, General Electric, and Northrop Grumman Corporation. Students find opportunities in fields such as engineering, information technology, business, design, and healthcare, working with organizations like Honda, SpaceX, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. 

This extensive network ensures that UC students gain practical experience across a broad spectrum of career paths.

Some schools use “co-op” and “internship” interchangeably, but at the University of Cincinnati, an “academic internship” refers to work that is:

• Full or part-time

• Supervised and evaluated

• Major-related

• Paid (exceptions can be made if the internship is with a nonprofit)

• Can take place in any semester: fall, spring or summer

Co-ops tend to be more immersive and longer-term than traditional internships.

Landing your first co-op can be exciting — and a little nerve-wracking. Here’s how to feel more confident and prepared:

• Update your resume – Make sure it’s current and polished. Stop by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio if you want help.

• Practice interviewing – Try a mock interview or join a workshop so you’re not caught off guard.

• Check out job options – Browse Handshake, go to career fairs, and attend info sessions to see what’s out there.

• Clean up your LinkedIn – Employers check it, so make sure it shows off your skills and experience.

• Talk to a career coach – They can help you figure out your goals and make a game plan.

• Take your prep course seriously – It’ll give you the tools you need to start strong.

• Stay curious and proactive – Ask questions, explore different companies, and don’t be afraid to go for something new.

Throughout your co-op journey, you’ll have a strong support system to help you succeed:

• Faculty – Professors and co-op advisers are there to guide you and can often provide advice on how to integrate your co-op experience with what you’re learning in class.

• Online resources – Take advantage of UC’s online portals, like Handshake, to find job listings and get tips on how to succeed.

• Peer Support – Connect with other co-op students to share experiences, tips and advice. The co-op community at UC is a great place to learn from others.

With these resources, you’ll have plenty of help along the way to make your co-op experience a success.

Completing a co-op can set you up for success long after you graduate. Many UC alumni have turned their co-op experiences into full-time job offers, with many receiving offers from their co-op employers. 

The hands-on experience you gain helps build your resume and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Alumni often credit their co-op positions with helping them land their dream jobs, from top companies like Procter & Gamble and NASA. 

Beyond just a paycheck, co-ops build your professional network, sharpen your skills, and boost your confidence — leading to higher earning potential and a smoother transition into your career after graduation.

Ready to jumpstart your career? Connect with the Co-op office or the Bearcat Promise Career Studio to learn more about co-op opportunities tailored to your major. Whether you’re just starting or looking to explore more options, these resources will help guide you to the right co-op path and set you up for success. Don’t wait — start building your future today!