<p>I have 3 semesters of classes left. I have taken one semester off for an internship and can return if I want. If I want a "co-op" degree then I would do one more semester and a summer of work. How big of a difference would these two other work terms make in finding a job? I am really ready to graduate. The company I am at does not do my first choice of work but I am mainly learning about project management which applies to all fields. I enjoyed the work and learned allot. I am considering not returning and trying to find a summer internship directly related to my interest. Do you think the experience I have already would make finding a summer internship easier? I know the market for civil engineers is not the greatest so I want to make finding a job after school as easy as possible.</p>
<p>The market for civil engineers right now is horrible. I’d stay in school, bolster than resume and take your chances with something to talk about during interviews. A semester isn’t too long compared to the rest of your life/</p>
<p>If I understand correctly, your choices are:</p>
<ul>
<li>Graduate after fall 2013, with two summer-only internships / co-ops.</li>
<li>Graduate after spring 2014, with one summer-fall co-op and one summer-only internship / co-op.</li>
</ul>
<p>Odds are that the slightly later graduation will be in a slightly better job market, and the longer co-op may be of some advantage, but there are no guarantees.</p>
<p>Structural work is picking up in Maine, apparently. A local firm has enough work that they’re using us for one project after another. I’m very encouraged by that. We’ve gotten by fine the last few years on small jobs, but it’s nice to start getting “real” projects - hospitals, military work, etc.</p>