What is Co-op

At the University of Cincinnati, we know co-op inside and out. We pioneered this concept back in 1906 and have been refining it ever since. 

Co-op, short for cooperative education, is an educational model that lets students learn through meaningful, career-oriented, compensated, workplace experiences. Our goal is to offer the widest variety of opportunities to students across the university. We connect students with university, industry, government, and community partners. Co-op students build their skills and networks while actively contributing to today’s workforce.

These programs require co-op experiences as part of the curriculum, ensuring students gain essential, career-related skills.

These programs are designed to complement the academic goals of certain fields, offering students practical experience that aligns with their studies. They provide valuable real-world insights without being a mandatory component of the curriculum.

By integrating quality work experiences into your education, students can:

• Gain professional, major-related work experience while still being a student.
• Develop cross-cutting skills, also known as transferable skills, that are highly valued by employers. Students will also learn how to confidently articulate and discuss these skills during interviews.
• Evaluate potential career options and make informed decisions about your future.
• Expand your professional network, connecting with industry professionals and mentors who can support your career growth.
• Enhance your resume with real-world experience and accomplishments.
• Earn income while gaining valuable experience.

To explore co-op opportunities, you can:

• Explore our formal co-op programs in Business, Design, Engineering, and IT.
• Discover ways to gain experience through optional co-op.
• Browse paid co-op and internship opportunities on Handshake (UC student login required).
• Discuss your interests and goals with your academic advisor. They can guide you on taking a professional development (PD) course to prepare yourself for successful applications to co-ops, internships, and future jobs.
• Take advantage of the resources offered by the Bearcat Promise Career Studio or one of UC's other career centers.

We are here to support you on your co-op journey and help you unlock the full potential of your education. Don't miss out on the incredible opportunities that cooperative education can offer!