Experiential education is critical to the success of all students enrolled in the GVSU Padnos College of Engineering (PCE). 

The integrated cooperative education experience is the hallmark of all engineering degree programs.  All students majoring in engineering are required to complete one year of full-time engineering work experience before graduation. In addition, nearly two-thirds of the engineering course offerings include hands-on, laboratory components and many include industry-sponsored projects of varying levels, including the mandatory senior capstone experience.

GVSU currently offers the following engineering programs:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Product Design & Manufacturing Engineering
• Interdisciplinary Engineering
  • Architectural
  • Data Science
  • Design and Innovation
  • Engineering Management
  • Environmental
  • Mechatronics
  • Renewable Energy

• Employers and students must agree on all three rotations together and decide on the Standard (3 alternating semesters for 40 hours per week) or the Flex option (6 consecutive semesters for 20hrs per week).  Students are not permitted to change employers from one semester to the next.
• Co-op experiences must be paid.  Hourly rates vary but typically start around $20 per hour and increase after each work semester.
• Co-op students must be supervised by a degreed engineer.
• Employers must commit to progressively responsible engineering work within and across the three/six co-op semesters.
• Employers submit an agreement of responsibilities and points of contact (HR, Supervisor, and Supervisor's Superior) in Handshake when prompted by the PCE.
• Supervisors must hold a site visit (virtual or in-person) in each co-op work semester and must complete an electronic final evaluation each semester.

Co-op Standard Sequence: 40 hours per week for alternating semesters

Most students and employers work to secure co-ops on our Standard (full-time) schedule.  Students typically begin searching for in the Fall of their sophomore year for Summer Co-op I experiences:

Alternative Sequence Possibilities: Standard (Winter Start) and/or "Flex"

If interested in a Winter start for Co-op I, contact the Co-op Coordinator, Ethan Tanis, [email protected].  Additionally, if best for the student and employer, students can work part-time for 6 consecutive semesters (20 hours per week) while enrolling in part-time coursework; this is referred to as a “Flex” schedule and requires special approval.

Step 1: Post Co-ops (internships) in Handshake

This is the best way to ensure students can find available opportunities as Handshake is the primary search engine between students and employers.  Detailed employment descriptions are best for Handshake postings. If Handshake or other recruitment  assistance is required to connect with a broader student audience, work with work with the GVSU Career Center.

POST CO-OPS IN HANDSHAKE

Step 2: Become an “Approved Co-op Employer”

Though employers can wait until they secure a candidate to get formal approval, completing this on the front end will add your organization to a curated list that engineering students can search easily and quickly in Handshake.

SCHEDULE A MEETING WITH THE CO-OP COORDINATOR TO BECOME AN APPROVED CO-OP EMPLOYER

Step 3: Come to campus and engage our students through events and fairs

Students typically begin searching in the Fall of their sophomore year while completing the Engineering Professionalism course.  This course has employer events embedded in it including employer tabling, the GVSU Career Center’s Career & Internship Fair, information sessions with simulated employer interviews, employer showcases and more.  Handshake includes most (if not all) employer event and career fair registrations. Access is usually granted exclusively to the “Approved Co-op Employers” mentioned above.

Find Fairs/Events and Post Positions in Handshake

NOTE: Students Require PCE Approval Before Accepting Co-op Offers

Students must be approved by the PCE in order to accept a co-op position.  This ensures students are academically progressing within the program and meet the required GPA.  Summer approvals are usually completed as early as October but no later than February.   It is fairly common for employers to extend a not-for-credit internship offer with the expectation that it will be converted to co-op if (once) approved by the PCE.

For questions, concerns, or employer approvals, please contact:

Ethan Tanis

Co-op Coordinator

Padnos College of Engineering

[email protected]

616-331-6021

Virtual Meeting Link