Cooperative Education Program

The vision for the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS) is to be the top student-focused engineering/computer science school and the following strategic priorities serve as pillars of this vision:

• Focus on outstanding student experiences
• Engage in innovative industry and alumni partnerships
• Expand state-of-the-art facilities
• Design a curriculum for the future that brings recognition for innovation in pedagogy
• Be the place for a successful, diverse, and supportive engineering/computer science community

Achieving our mission and vision for SOECS is only possible through close collaboration with the school’s many organizational partners and partnership with us via the CO-OP program is one way. This guide provides an overview of engagement with our CO-OP program.

Benefits to Employers

• Accessible Talent Pool - Exposure to a year-round supply of well-trained, highly motivated student employees. Students spend six months on the job working, not merely training.
• Relief to Workforce - Students lend relief to an organization's more skilled, permanently staffed professionals to perform other tasks in peak or normal periods. They add enthusiasm, a fresh perspective, and an infusion of energy to your existing work environment.
• Evaluate Prospective Employees - Employers have a cost-effective means of evaluating the potential of future employees without making a long-term hiring commitment. If a CO-OP graduate is hired to a permanent position, significantly less training time is needed.
• Promote Organization on Campus - Upon their return to school, CO-OP students share their work experiences with their classmates, thus bringing your organization to the attention of other students - one of the most effective means of "advertising" an employer can have.
• Reduce Recruitment Costs - Provides you with a seamless way to meet your long-range recruitment goals. You can carefully evaluate the student as a prospective employee before deciding to initiate negotiations for permanent employment. Keep new employee recruitment costs down that could range between $30,000 to $50,000 per hire.

Getting Involved

The CO-OP program is a three-way partnership involving SOECS, the employer and the student. The Office of Cooperative Education provides support to students and their partner employers in the recruiting and hiring process.

It starts with employers posting exclusive CO-OP positions in Handshake for SOECS students. Employers could select if student should submit their application via Handshake or an external site. Cooperative Education should be selected as the job type. All Co-Op postings should indicate a full-time and temporary/seasonal position. For the Description, it should indicate that “This CO-OP position is open to SOECS students enrolled in ENGR 25.” Please select only University of the Pacific for your CO-OP position and the appropriate dates.

This will allow SOECS students seeking a CO-OP position to apply directly to your position and for you to review their resumes, invite them for interviews, and complete the hiring and onboarding process.

Expectations for Employers

To ensure that all parties experience a positive relationship, we request that all CO-OP employers review the following SOECS expectations for the CO-OP assignment.

1. Employers are encouraged to post a brief job description that indicates the position is for SOECS students.
2. The job assignment must relate to the student's field of study. These assignments should be challenging and increase with difficulty during the CO-OP.
3. The student should be supervised by a degreed engineer or computer scientist who should meet regularly with the student.
4. Students must be paid a reasonable salary. Students who are not paid for their time might not be as committed to their work.
5. Employers are expected to allow the CO-OP staff and faculty advisors to visit the worksite and review the program.
6. It is recommended that student learning objectives and employer expectations be outlined early in the process so both parties are aware of each other's goals for the work term.
7. Employers must complete an evaluation (form provided by the CO-OP office) upon the student's completion of the CO-OP experience. We encourage employers to meet with the student to review their performance over the duration of the CO-OP.

Recruiting CO-OP Students

Differentiate yourself from your competition with your posted position posting and strategic recruiting style could you untapped the talent you are seeking. Post your position on Handshake and emphasize the intrinsic values of the positions and the benefits you can offer. Include the expected location, salary, and qualifications.

Before and after posting the position, consider any proactive outreach activities such as attending the School of Engineering and Computer Science Career Fair, connecting with student clubs, and reaching out to employees who are alumnus of SOECS.  

The CO-OP Experience

Before CO-OP Student Arrives

• Brainstorm to develop a list of projects the student could be helpful with
• Determine what department(s) and project(s) the student will be assigned to. If available, begin planning specific assignments
• Assign a supervisor who will be available to answer technical and non-technical questions, as well as possibly help mentor the student on education and/or professional aspirations
• Check if the student will need assistance with housing and transportation
• Prepare office equipment (phone, computer, workstation) and other office and/or HR-related paperwork for the student

First Week of CO-OP

• Provide student with an orientation of the work site (buildings, parking lot, lunchroom, business offices, work hours, dress code)
• Review office equipment (phone, copier room, computer, parking, timecard)
• Discuss company structure, office code of ethics, workplace issues
• Discuss time management (timecards, breaks, lunch, appointments)
• Discuss expectations of the student, possibly including a job description
• Any necessary safety training

Strengthen the Student Experience

• Encourage them to actively participate in meetings
• Involve them in company events and activities
• Introduce and train the student on new relevant computer software, if available
• Provide hands-on training, such as taking the student into the field
• Provide projects for the students that involve a range of activities including idea generation, design, product conception, manufacturing, testing, and/or quality control
• Provide opportunities for the student to complete a written and/or oral project and/or presentation

Evaluating the CO-OP Student

First Week Evaluation

• Discuss the student's short and long-term responsibilities and expectations
• Discuss the path the student would like to pursue at the company
• Suggest methods for tracking daily tasks

Mid-term

• Follow up on student progress
• Discuss CO-OP office staff site visit with student

Last Week of Term

• Discuss the industry and work experience with the student
• Discuss any future opportunities within the company

The vision for the School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS) is to be the top student-focused engineering/computer science school. Achieving our vision for SOECS students is only possible through close collaboration with the school’s many organizational partners via the CO-OP program. This guide provides an overview of your CO-OP experience.

Why CO-OP?

CO-OP is a requirement for undergraduate students majoring in Civil Engineering, Engineering Management, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics and Computer Engineering. CO-OP is an integral part of the curriculum for these majors. CO-OP is optional for Computer Science and Bioengineering majors, but highly recommended. It is also optional for international students.

Having a CO-OP position will strengthen and reinforce your academic engineering knowledge and skills. You will acquire hands-on industry experience and programming skills; and learn how to navigate in a professional environment and build confidence. CO-OP makes you more employable.  Employers tell us that they prefer to hire graduates with the real-world experience that CO-OP provides, and many SOECS CO-OP students are offered full time positions after graduation. Additionally, it allows you to:

• Connect classroom knowledge to industry practice
• Learn and practice professional skills needed to successfully collaborate in a team
• Learn job hunting and interviewing skills in preparation to your CO-OP and post-graduate employment
• Build a network of professionals who are interested in seeing you succeed
• Earn a paycheck during CO-OP which might help defer educational expenses

How long is CO-OP?

Generally, aCO-OP extends over a semester and a summer. Since you receive academic credit for your CO-OP, the Director of Cooperative Education must ascertain and approve the quality and length of your experience. The agreement you make with your CO-OP employer usually includes out the beginning and end date for your employment.  

When to take CO-OP?

Your CO-OP will generally take place in your junior or senior years. You will work closely with your faculty advisor to develop an academic plan, so you can keep track of courses and plan your CO-OP. Typically your Co-Op would begin either in the spring semester of your junior year or in the summer before your senior year. Exceptions to this pattern are possible depending on the academic plan that you work out with your faculty advisor. In some cases, a summer/summer CO-OP is an option for a student. 

Your CO-OP cannot be taken at the end of your academic career. You would need to return to school for at least seven units of credit following your CO-OP. Consult the Stockton General Catalog for more information.

What are the pre-requisites for CO-OP?

You should take ENGR 25 Professional Practice Seminar the semester before your CO-OP. This class helps you prepare your résumé and portfolio, hone your interviewing skills, give you ways to search for and apply for CO-OP positions, learn about having a successful CO-OP experience, and explore different industries and career options. You must also have completed your Fundamental Skills as defined in the Stockton General Catalog. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required. Some CO-OP employers require a higher GPA and may also require a background check and drug test.

How many credits are earned for a CO-OP?

You will earn a total of 32 units or 16 units per academic term. While taking the CO-OP courses, ENGR 181 and ENGR 182, you will receive a syllabus, have graded assignments, and submit a final report. You will receive a pass/no credit grade for the class. If your CO-OP experience is not sufficiently long or of sufficient quality your CO-OP units may be less than 32 units.  

May I take other classes concurrent with CO-OP? 

You may not take other classes while on CO-OP. Consult the Stockton General Catalog for more information. Your employer has an expectation that you will dedicate full-time employment with them.

How do I find a CO-OP?

Finding a CO-OP is a collaborative process. Your active and early participation in the search is essential for success. The CO-OP office brings employers to campus for career fairs, information sessions, interviews and arranges for off-campus interviews. Additionally, Alumni Association and student clubs also have career related campus events. You are expected to also search for your own CO-OP.  In ENGR 25, and in conjunction with Career Services, we will give you the skills and resources to successfully secure a CO-OP.   

Sometimes the best way to find a CO-OP is to work in parallel with all available resources and through your own network of family, friends, faculty and employers.  The keyword is being flexible and open to getting a good experience.

How do I prepare for my CO-OP?

At the start of your first year at Pacific, you will meet with your faculty advisor to create your Academic Plan.  Depending on your major, your faculty advisor can tell you what you will need to accomplish and when you can expect to graduate. This determines where your CO-OP fits in your academic career. It is never too early to start looking for a CO-OP. So, start by considering these activities:

• Keep your résumé and LinkedIn updated
• Complete your Handshake profile  
• Consider a summer internship early in your academic career
• Attend career fairs and other events hosted by employers and SOECS
• Join a SOECS student club and attend meetings and events
• Work your networks of family and friends for leads to a CO-OP

Can I take my CO-OPs abroad?

Students may have an international CO-OP. Taking the course, INTL 151 Cross-Cultural Training, is recommended to be completed prior to working overseas. You may also need to take appropriate language courses. You should consult International Programs and Servicesfor additional requirements and information. An international Co-Op requires a lot of lead time to negotiate foreign laws, so plan accordingly.

How do transfer students with work experience complete a CO-OP?

At the start of your first year at Pacific, you will meet with your faculty advisor to create your Academic Plan.  Depending on your major, your faculty advisor can tell you what you will need to accomplish and when you can expect to graduate.

Will I be paid during my CO-OP?

We encourage employers to pay CO-OP students. Pay rates vary greatly from industry to industry and region to region. We see CO-OP salaries in the range of $15.00 to $32.00 per hour. Students may petition to take an unpaid position to satisfy the CO-OP requirement. The volunteer experience must meet all requirements for a CO-OP.

Can an international student do a CO-OP?

Yes. A CO-OP is an option for international students. It is strongly suggested you make this intention known to your academic advisor and the Director of Cooperative Education early in your academic career. There are special requirements related to your visa. An F1 visa with OPT (Optional Practical Training) or CPT (Curricular Practical Training) approval is required. You should consult International Programs and Services for more information. 

What if I’m unable to secure a CO-OP?

The search for a CO-OP is a cooperative effort between you and the CO-OP office. The CO-OP office will work diligently to find opportunities for you, but you must do your part by preparing your résumé, using effective job search, and networking strategies, developing your interviewing, and negotiating skills, and aggressively pursuing all opportunities. It is an expectation that you will also search for CO-OP opportunities on your own initiative with an early start.  

If you are unable to secure a CO-OP for the designated period in your academic plan, you will have to revise your academic plan in coordination with your faculty advisor. The goal will be to fit the CO-OP into a revised plan and to apply lessons learned in the first attempt.   

The School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS) prioritizes developing close, fulfilling partnerships with organizations in support of the mission of SOECS:

We deliver transformative learning experiences that prepare our graduates to meet society’s greatest challenges.

The vision for SOECS is to be the top student-focused engineering/computer science school and the following strategic priorities serve as pillars of this vision: 

• Focus on outstanding student experiences
• Engage in innovative industry and alumni partnerships
• Expand state-of-the-art facilities
• Design a curriculum for the future that brings recognition for innovation in pedagogy
• Be the place for a successful, diverse, and supportive engineering/computer science community

Achieving our mission and vision for SOECS is only possible through close collaboration with the school’s many organizational partners. These partnership opportunities are focused on three types of engagement: CO-OP, Partnership, and Philanthropy.

CO-OP Engagement & Recruitment Program

Recruiting

Our Cooperative Education (CO-OP) program is an integral part of our academic curriculum. For over 50 years, we partnered with employers giving students the opportunity to work in full-time, paid positions for 6-8 months. There are several ways to recruit students for your CO-OP positions.

Career Fair Package

Participating in the Engineering and Computer Science Career Fairs offers employers an opportunity to recruit undergraduate and graduate students during the fall and spring terms on the Stockton campus. The fairs are open to employers seeking to hire for CO-OP, internship, and early career positions. Before the career fairs, employers could post for free open positions on Handshake. Attending the career fairs will allow employers to also submit CO-OP open positions targeting SOECS students, conduct information sessions, and schedule interviews through the CO-OP office.

Individualized Services

Employers may submit CO-OP position announcements to the CO-OP office at the beginning of each fall and spring term. CO-OP openings and videos could be posted for free for students planning on starting their CO-OP for the summer/fall terms or spring/summer terms.

Employers may conduct information sessions on campus, virtually, or off-site for a nominal fee. The CO-OP office collaborates with employers to determine logistics, audience, campus location, parking, marketing the event, and generating a virtual platform if appropriate. Advance notice of two months is needed.

Scheduling CO-OP interviews on campus, off-site or virtually for a nominal fee. The CO-OP office collaborates to determine logistics, and to offer a campus location, parking, marketing the event, and creating a virtual platform if appropriate.

2023/2024 Academic Year Calendar and Term Fees

Pacific Engineering Partnership Program

We are pleased to partner with organizations to facilitate the recruitment of students for CO-OP, internships, and early career positions and certificate programs at a higher level through our strategic partnership program, which would support your organizational needs of recruiting and developing new talent, branding your organization, and customizing program proposals.

Our faculty and staff are ready to work with you to shape a strategic partnership alliance that is uniquely tailored to your organization's business challenges, needs, and goals.

The four partnership levels depend on the value and breadth of engagement. You will have your organization identify a dedicated representative who will help manage your partnership plan and benefits during the academic year of engagement.

Research and Philanthropy Prospects

The School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS) offers industries opportunities to facilitate research initiatives and to advance our strategic initiatives through philanthropy.

Sponsored Research

The synergy that results from sponsored research partnerships between organizations and SOECS faculty can greatly increase the potential to spur innovation and advancements in practice. There are a wide range of opportunities for organizations to engage SOECS faculty expertise in problem solving and research and leverage the equipment and technology resources available at Pacific.

Sponsored research projects can also involve talented students – often working in conjunction with the SOECS faculty member or, in select cases, directly with the sponsoring organization. By sponsoring student research with SOECS students, organizational partners can also enhance their ability to recruit outstanding talent.

Philanthropy

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE CONTACTS

Co-op Engagement & Recruitment Program Contact

Irene Espinosa
Co-op Career Readiness Specialist
iespinoza1@pacific.edu
209.932.2952

Pacific Engineering Partnership Program Contact

Sylvia Head
Director of External Relations and Professional Development
shead@pacific.edu
209.946.2275

Philanthropy Prospects Contact

Daniel Mackeben
Assistant Dean of Development
dmackeben@pacific.edu
209.946.2643