Unlock your future with the KEY to your success…

1. Unlock your future with the KEY to your success… Co-op

2. Georgia Institute of Technology Cooperative Division www.coop.gatech.edu

3. Find us on “the Hill” If you are standing facing the Tech Tower, we are the building on your left Savant Building – ground floor Corner of Ferst and Cherry (Stinger stops here)

4. What is Co-op? The co-op program at Georgia Tech is a five year academic program that combines classroom study with real world experience. Alternating school and work semesters lead to an academic co-op degree in your major. School and work terms build upon each other giving you advantages in the classroom and on the job, leading to a truly complete education.

5. Advantages of Co-op • Employers use it as a recruiting tool upon graduation; seniority is usually accrued during co-op terms • Multiple terms with the same employer allow in-depth practical experience • Employers will invest in you (even in difficult times) because they know you will be there for the long term

6. Co-op Organizations • Co-op Club • Briaerean Society • SGA positions for co-op representatives

7. Co-op Advisors by Major • Aerospace Eng. – Debbie Pearson • Bldg Construction – Wayne Thompson • Biomedical Engineering – Tom Akins • Biology – Sabrina Hall • Chemical Eng. – Harold Simmons • Chemistry – Sabrina Hall • Civil Eng. – Wayne Thompson • Computer Eng. (A-L) – Tina Payne • Computer Eng. (M-Z) – Bob James

8. Co-op Advisors by Major • Computer Science – Sabrina Hall • Earth & Atmospheric Sci. – Sabrina Hall • Economics – Bob James • Electrical Eng. (A-L) – Tina Payne • Electrical Eng. (M-Z) – Bob James • Industrial Design – Bob James • Industrial & Systems Eng. – Lisa Jones • International Affairs – Ken Little

9. Co-op Advisors by Major • Management – Lisa Jones • Materials Eng. – Harold Simmons • Mathematics – Sabrina Hall • Mechanical Eng. (A-L) – Wayne Thompson • Mechanical Eng. (M-Z) – Debbie Pearson • Nuclear & Rad. Eng. – Debbie Pearson • Physics – Sabrina Hall

10. Co-op Advisors by Major • Polymer & Textile Chem. – Tina Payne • Science, Tech. & Culture – Bob James • Textile Engineering. – Tina Payne • Textiles – Tina Payne • Undecided College of Sci. – Sabrina Hall • Undecided Ivan Allen College – B. James • Undecided Engineering – Ken Little • International Placements – Ken Little

11. Beginning the co-op program • Meet with Co-op Advisor each term • Maintain strong GPA • Begin clarifying your career goals and possible companies of interest

12. The Semester Before You Work • Attend Interview Tips Workshop • Attend Resume Workshop • Attend Required International Student Orientation if you are F-1, J-1 or other visa holder • Meet with your advisor early in the term, and keep in touch regularly during your job search

13. Qualifying to go to work • Good academic standing • Min. 2.00 GPA and no F’s the term prior to first work term • Full course load during school term prior to first work term (Summer exception)

14. Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Entering Freshman starting work summer after two school semesters – Requires 5 work terms

15. Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Starting work fall after two school semesters and the summer off – Requires 5 work terms

16. Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Sophomore going to work fall after three semesters of school – Requires 4 work terms

17. Typical Co-op Alternation Schedule: Sophomore starting work spring after three school semesters – Requires 4 work terms

18. No changes permitted to alternation schedule without written approval from your co-op advisor

19. Work Locations • Your hometown • Atlanta • Outside Atlanta • International assignments

20. International Co-op Opportunities • Earn a degree with the International Co-op designation • Learn and use a second language • Work at least 6 months in non-English speaking environment (usually available after working three domestic Co-op terms) • Meet with Ken Little for details

21. Co-op Resume and Transcript • Access web registration and resume at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student • Upload Microsoft Word personal resume • OR use online resume writer • Request an official transcript • Copy transcripts for your co-op advisor and for interviews

22. Reviewing Co-op Opportunities • Meet with your advisor for resume and registration review • Advisor authorizes your access to job listings after approving your resume • Access job information at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student

23. On-Campus Interviews • Access job information for on-campus interviews under the “Recruiting” heading at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student • Use this site to register for company information sessions • See your co-op advisor to sign up for on-campus interviews • Interviews take place in Success Center, Skyboxes 1-15

24. Direct Referrals • What is a direct referral? Your resume can be sent to companies which are not interviewing on campus, but have co-op job openings listed • Access job information for direct referrals under the “Job List” heading at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student • See your co-op advisor to send a direct referral • Employers will contact you directly, but only if they have an interest in you after reviewing your resume

25. Role of Co-op Advisor • Review your resume and registration information • Advise you about company research • Offer guidance during your job search • Authorize and assign campus interviews • Investigate your status with employers of interest • Discuss your second interviews and job offers • Complete co-op paperwork upon acceptance of co-op work assignment • Monitor your work performance and academic progress throughout your co-op degree program

26. Interview Tips • Research the prospective employer • Review major points you wish to emphasize • Identify relevant questions to ask • Dress professionally • Be early • Communicate effectively • Follow-up after the interview

27. Accepting an Offer • Write an acceptance letter • Cancel other scheduled interviews • Meet with co-op advisor to discuss offer and acceptance letters • Sign alternation schedule • Advisor assigns registration permit • Register for Co-op course • International students require additional documentation explained in separate orientation

28. Items to discuss upon accepting an offer: • Co-op assignment record • Work report • Housing department status • Financial aid status • Parking • Address changes

29. Employer Expectations • Regular and punctual attendance • Enthusiasm and productivity • Professional conduct and dress • Responsible use of phone and computer • Communication with supervisor if concerns or questions arise

30. Frequently asked questions • What is the difference between co-op and internship? • May I change jobs? • May I find my own job? • May I take off a semester? • May I participate in Study Abroad? • May I take a course during my work term? • May I live on campus while working?

31. Frequently asked questions • Do I pay tuition for the co-op course? • Can I be dropped for academic reasons? • If I work outside Atlanta, will my employer locate housing for me? • What if I change my mind about participating in co-op or cannot find a job? • How are salaries determined? • How long is a work term?

32. Your next steps: • Thoroughly read the “Co-op Student Handbook” • Complete online registration and resume at http://cc.experience.com/0603/student • Request an official transcript at https://oscar.gatech.edu • Schedule appointment with your co-op advisor for resume approval and to gain access to job listings • Review job postings and create list of employers that interest you • See your advisor to discuss these opportunities, to schedule campus interviews, and to submit information for direct resume referrals

33. Orientation Documents to be Completed Statement of Understanding • Complete page 20 of your Co-op Handbook • Tear it out • Pass it to the aisle Blue Card = Proof of Attendance • PRINT information on the card • Pass it to the aisle

34. Cooperative DivisionThe Georgia Institute of TechnologyAtlanta, GA 30332-0260 Phone: 404-894-3320 www.coop.gatech.edu