<p>I'm planning how to budget my credits for the next four years and I'm trying to determine whether or not it is worth it to do a co op. It gives you actual job experience and actual pay and looks really good for grad school, but it also makes it hard to graduate in four years. Is it better to just do internships? I want to go to grad school and I was wondering if doing a co op is really a lot better than inernship or research</p>
<p>Co-op is more frequently appropriate for people looking to get jobs after graduation, unless you are co-oping at a research facility. If you are going to grad school, you might be more interested in research, interning, etc.</p>
<p>I recommend internships (at least 2, 3 is better) or research.
I did a co-op and quit after one semester. The truth is that the companies who do the co-op program aren’t as good as the ones who do internships (Other than Coke and a few other big names). They are smaller, not well known, and have less opportunities. However, they are less competitive because not many students want a co-op.
If you know <em>exactly</em> what you want to do and you see a co-op to help you in that exact function, then go for it. If you are unsure, you are better off interning and figuring out your interests that way. Also, if you are involved in student clubs then I would advise against co-op. The work-school alterations break up your schedule and as a consequence you can’t be one of the higher ups in your organization (Most require a fall and spring commitment).
I would say consider them all and see who gives you the best offer (not just monetary, but in experience and the brand).</p>
<p>it varies and how you feel and what companies…i would love to work for the government though! But if i were to pick, it’d be Co-op…easy to land a job after i graduate as well! Good good experience</p>