<p>My brother is applying to various Co-op positions for spring semester. He's a sophomore now and he likes the idea of doing co-op, given the job situation in today's market. I've never been a fan of co-op and think it's better to finish school in 4 years than extending it for one extra year by doing a co-op. I just wanted to know what others thoughts are on that. Are there any advantages of doing co-op than internship? Are co-op less competitive than internships (that was one of my brother's reasons to go for a co-op)?</p>
<p>There are some very good perspectives and opinions on this subject in earlier posts. Search them out.</p>
<p>What good is graduating early if you have no job experience. Coops will give you just that and is a fair trade off.</p>
<p>Are co-ops relatively easier to find/ get into than internships?</p>
<p>I have completed my schools co-op program and just lined up a summer internship with a different company. Five years to get my degree. I really see no difference between the two. Three summer internships with the same company would equal a typical co-op. As far as which is more competitive, there is usually more competition for summer internships than co-op programs because fewer people want to take the time off from school that co-oping requires. Most schools also usually help more with getting a co-op than with getting an internship. I really enjoyed the break from school and will graduate with savings rather than debt.</p>
<p>@CivilEngr-- Thank you for your input. Appreciate it. From what it seems like Co-op is a better idea than summer internship. A lot of ppl seems to get a full time offer from their co-ops than summer internships which makes sense since an employer will get a sense of your strengths and weakness over a 6 month period than just 10weeks. It’s almost like an extended job interview.</p>
<p>Civil, could you elaborate on the Fall/spring co-ops versus the summer ones. How about winter?</p>