A Cooperative Education (Co-op) experience allows CEMS students to step out of the classroom and into a full-time professional role related to their field of study. Co-ops provide an immersive opportunity to apply classroom learning, develop technical and professional skills, expand professional networks, and gain meaningful industry experience that will give you a competitive edge in job searches before graduation.
Through partnerships with employers in Vermont and beyond, students participate in paid, full-time work experiences while remaining active UVM students.
How do students get started?
Step 1: Explore
Meet with CEMS Career Services to discuss:
- Career interests
- Industries of interest
- Potential employers
- Academic planning
Step 2: Prepare
Develop or update:
- Résumé
- Cover letter
- Handshake profile
- Interview skills
Step 3: Apply
Apply to co-op opportunities through:
- Handshake (check CEMS Collection or do your own research)
- Employer websites
- Opportunities shared directly from CEMS Career Services, faculty, or employers via email or career fairs
Step 4: Work and Learn
Once hired:
- Notify Jill Duprey (jillian.duprey@uvm.edu) that you have accepted the co-op offer and provide a copy of the offer letter
- Register for the non-billable co-op course
- Complete a learning agreement to establish outcomes and responsibilities
- Participate in midpoint and final evaluations
- Maintain communication with your supervisor and CEMS
How do employers get started?
Partner with CEMS
Employers interested in hosting a co-op student should contact the CEMS Career Services team. We'll help you:
- Design a meaningful co-op position
- Promote opportunities to students
- Support recruitment efforts
- Facilitate communication throughout the co-op experience
Employer Expectations
Employers should provide:
- A paid position
- Meaningful work related to the student's field
- Reach out to Celine Evans-Kennard (celine.evans-kennard@uvm.edu) for curriculum information
- A designated supervisor or mentor
- Regular feedback and coaching
- Opportunities for professional growth and networking
Employers should contact applicants to inform them if they have been selected for an interview or not. Selected students should be notified of the employment offer and be provided with a written offer letter with salary and benefit information.
CO-OP Basics
Compensation
All CEMS co-op positions are paid.
At peer engineering schools nationwide, paid engineering co-ops commonly range from approximately $22-$30 per hour depending on discipline, location, and student experience. Below is pay information from recent CEMS co-ops:
- $25/hour — AI Agents Engineering Co-op
- $4,600–$5,200/month — Forward Deployed Engineer Co-op
- $22/hour — Firmware Engineering Co-op
- $23.47–$34.50/hour — Transportation Engineering, Infrastructure Co-op
- $21.20/hour — Data Analytics Co-op / Financial Wellbeing Insights Co-op
- $19–$20/hour — Construction Materials & Engineering Technician Co-op
Student Status
Students remain active UVM students while participating in a co-op.
Academic Registration
Students register for a non-billable co-op course each semester of participation.
Housing & Transportation
Students are responsible for securing housing and transportation unless otherwise provided by the employer.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a co-op and an internship?
A co-op is a full-time, paid professional work experience that typically lasts 6-12 months and is integrated into your academic plan. Internships are often shorter and may occur alongside coursework. Co-ops provide an extended opportunity to take on meaningful projects, develop professional skills, and gain deeper experience.
Will a co-op delay my graduation?
Not necessarily. Many students incorporate a co-op into their academic plan without delaying graduation. We encourage students to work closely with their academic advisor and the CEMS Career Readiness Coordinator to determine the best timing for a co-op experience.
Do I earn academic credit?
No. Students register for a non-billable co-op course that maintains active student status while participating in a co-op. Students do not earn academic credit for the co-op experience.
Can I take courses while on co-op?
Yes. Students may take up to 4 credits per semester while participating in a co-op. Taking additional credits may be possible with approval from the employer, academic advisor, and CEMS Career Readiness Coordinator. Tuition and fees apply for any courses taken during co-op. Please consult an advisor in Student Financial Services if interested.
Do I stay enrolled at UVM?
Yes. Co-op students remain active UVM students and maintain access to their NetID, UVM email, and course registration services throughout their co-op experience.
Can I participate in an external co-op program?
Yes. Students may participate in co-op programs offered by organizations outside the CEMS Co-op Program, such as government agencies or national employers. Students must still complete CEMS co-op requirements, including registration, learning agreements, and evaluations.
How much are co-op students paid?
All CEMS co-op positions are paid. Compensation varies by employer, location, discipline, and experience level. Recent co-op wages have generally ranged from approximately $22-$30 per hour.
Do employers provide housing?
Some employers may offer housing assistance, relocation support, or housing stipends, but this is not guaranteed. Students should be prepared to arrange their own housing and transportation unless otherwise specified by the employer.
Can international students participate?
In many cases, yes. International students should consult the Office of International Education to confirm employment eligibility, work authorization requirements, and timing considerations before pursuing a co-op.
What support does CEMS provide during the co-op?
CEMS supports students throughout the entire co-op process, including exploring opportunities, preparing application materials, developing interview skills, coordinating academic planning, facilitating learning agreements, and providing guidance during the co-op experience. CEMS also partners with employers to help create meaningful, high-quality learning opportunities.
What if I have financial barriers to pursuing a co-op?
Schedule a conversation via Navigate with the CEMS Career & Experiential Learning Coordinator, who may be able to connect you with additional resources or support.
Student Contact:
Employer Contact:
