University of Michigan-Flint

Participating employers offer full-time (alternating semesters of school and work) or part time (20 hours a week) work assignments to students enrolled in the University of Michigan-Flint Cooperative Education and Internship Program.

There are several differences between cooperative education and internships that are important to note:  Co-ops are always paid, while internships can be paid or unpaid;  co-ops last for a minimum of two semesters, while internships typically last one semester.

Co-op and internship experience ranks among the top three qualities recruiters look for when hiring for full-time positions.  Students from all academic disciplines are encouraged to apply.  The program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students.

• Enables you to apply classroom theory to actual work situations
• Provides the opportunity, with counsel and supervision, to test interests and develop long-range plans
• Enhances marketability by providing on-the-job training
• Increases academic performance
• Provides a sources of financial aid to defray all or part of educational expenses
• Develop human relation skills by giving experience in personal interaction in a career setting
  Some academic departments offer academic credit for your work experience
• Students are directly exposed to career options

• Must have at least a 2.5 minimum GPA
• Must have completed 55 credit hours*
• Transfer students must have completed one semester at UM-Flint*
• Enrolled in 6 or more credits Fall and Winter semesters*
• Meet with an AACC Academic Advisor/Counselor and complete a "Co-op/Internship Student Information Packet".
  
  

*Consideration will be given to students with special circumstances.

1. Meet with an Academic Advisor/Counselor in the Academic Advising and Career Center (AACC) to gain an understanding of the program and co-op and internship process and to discuss individual career interests. You will receive a packet of information that contains the forms required for enrollment. 
2. Register for the on-line resume referral system Career Connection.
3. Have your resume critiqued and explore co-op and internship opportunities.
4. When a co-op or internship opportunity arises, an Academic Advisor/Counselor will use Career Connection to contact you through your university e-mail account. You will be notified according to your major, and the interest that is desired by the employer for a particular position.
5. You will be e-mailed co-op or internship opportunities with detailed information about the opening. If you are interested in the position you will apply to the position according to employer specifications.
6. Once an employer receives your resume they will proceed in the selection process.
7. If you are selected for a position you are required to notify AACC for two reasons: (1) documenting the placement enables us to track your progress and (2) helps us assist you in addressing any challenges on the job.
8. After you begin your job assignment you'll receive an "Employed Student Packet" with information on job performance objectives and an "Employed Student Information Sheet" that needs to be completed and returned to the AACC office.
9. If you are pursuing academic credit, you must discuss academic expectations with the appropriate academic department prior to accepting any job offer.

This is a joint venture between the Financial Aid Office and the Academic Advising and Career Center to place work-study students in off-campus, paid, co-op/internship work experiences. Students must qualify financially for work-study and the off-campus organizations must be a non-profit community service-based organization. Call the Financial Aid Office to verify work-study eligibility and non-profit organization opportunities. Then, visit AACC to enroll in the Cooperative Education & Internship Program.