Why Co-Op?

For many engineering students, co-op experiences offer an opportunity to step outside the classroom and into real industry environments. These extended work terms allow students to apply technical knowledge, work alongside experienced professionals, and gain a deeper understanding of what engineering careers look like in practice.

What is a Co-Op?

A co-op, or cooperative education experience, is a full-time professional work term that takes place during the fall or spring semester and is directly related to a student’s major.

During this time, students work directly with engineers and technical professionals, often contributing to real projects that impact operations, safety, and efficiency. Because of the longer timeframe, co-op students frequently take on deeper responsibilities and gain a more complete view of how engineering teams operate.

Although participating in a co-op may extend a student’s graduation timeline, many students find that the experience provides invaluable industry insight and helps them feel more prepared when entering the workforce after graduation.

Hear from LSU engineering students about how co-op experiences helped them apply what they learned, gain real-world experience, and explore their career goals.

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Applying Classroom Concepts

One of the benefits of a co-op is the opportunity to see how classroom concepts translate to real engineering problems.

Jennifer Huang, Senior:

"My co-op gave me the opportunity to get hands-on experience in brewing and see firsthand how the concepts I learn in school translate into real-world plant operations."

Renee Myers, Senior: 

"You will gain tons of skill and understanding from doing a co-op, and you will even see a lot of things you have done during the co-op in your future courses, or you will be able to put what you have already learned into practice."

Aseel Samara, Senior:

"Do it, it looks good on your resume, it will 100% teach you new things, it will let you know what you're working for in your degree, and will let you apply what you've learned."

 

Gaining Engineering Experience 

A co-op also gives students the chance to move beyond observing engineering work and become part of a professional team working on real projects.

Seetha Ganesan Shanmuga, Senior:

"This co-op was an incredibly meaningful experience for me, both professionally and personally. I felt supported throughout the term and was encouraged to ask questions, learn from mistakes, and grow in confidence. Being trusted with real projects made me feel like a valued member of the team rather than just a student."

Briana Boriel, Junior:

"Even though taking a co-op may delay your graduation date, the knowledge and experience you gain are invaluable and will give you a better understanding of the material taught in your remaining classes once you return."

 

Discovering What Comes Next

A co-op provides an opportunity to experience a workplace and role firsthand before entering the workforce full time,  helping students better understand their interests and identify the types of engineering work they want to pursue. 

Elizabeth Juul, Senior: 

"This internship helped me realize that I really enjoy the fast-paced nature of production engineering and the problem-solving that comes with it. It also made me more confident in my technical abilities and gave me a better idea of the type of engineering career I want to pursue."

Duy Trinh, Junior: 

"It affirmed my desire to work in a refinery/plant. It also gave me extra motivation and knowledge in school because it pushes me to learn more about chemical engineering."

Husam Maani, Senior: 

"This co-op influenced my career goals by showing me that being a process engineer is the job that I love! Being able to get hands-on experience and mentorship opened my eyes to what life would be like after school. It has motivated me to keep striving to work hard, and I have much more appreciation for what I learn in school"

Sabrina Bishop, Junior:

“I would strongly suggest any LSU student to pursue similar opportunities as it could provide insight in their career goals, and will help add clarity to subjects in schooling. More so, it will provide them with future connections and possible places of employment.” 

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Ready to Explore a Co-Op?

If you're looking to gain hands-on experience, apply what you've learned in the classroom and explore what an engineering career could look like, a co-op can provide an opportunity to put your education into practice.

The Olinde Career Center can help engineering students explore co-op opportunities, prepare application materials, and connect with employers. Start exploring opportunities and take the next step toward gaining experience in your field.

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About the LSU Career Center

Our team is committed to ensuring every student has ample opportunities to gain experience, grow their network, and communicate their aptitude for a chosen career long before graduation. We believe LSU students are unparalleled in their potential to step into leadership, solve problems, and elevate the workforce for the benefit of all.