<p>I was wondering, how easy is it to get an Engineering internship/co-op at the University of Florida? I am particularly looking at co-ops because I will be able to get one as an incoming sophomore.... do you just upload a resume in the gatorlink CRC and then wait for employers to give you an offer, or do you have to submit paper resumes and applications for internships/co-ops? Also, do you get e-mails regarding co-op or internship opportunities? I heard from someone that they spam out those offers to tons of students but in a way that sounds too good to be true.</p>
<p>Although a student who has gone through the process might offer better insight, I can tell you what my son did to get an amazing engineering summer internship . First of all, nothing in life is as “easy” as it may appear. My son had an outstanding GPA, attended info sessions and job fairs at UF, and sent out numerous resumes to companies in his field. He had no “connections” such as a family friend or relative to help him with a company referral or to get his foot in the door. It was just plain old hard work and persistence on his part. Just “waiting for an employer” to find you rarely happens. My advice would be to work hard, participate in extracurriculars related to your field, and interview well. As I’ve stated earlier, perhaps a student can give you better advice, but one thing I can almost bet on is that none of them will say finding a high paying, prestigious internship in engineering is considered “easy” nowadays.</p>
<p>Opportunities will arrive in different ways. Careerlink is the best source but there was also be recruiters at career fairs and information sessions. You can also be active and contact employers to see if there are any openings. If you make an appointment at the CRC, they can give you tons of advice. Get to know the people in your department. For careerlink you’re right- upload your CV then apply to the positions you want.</p>
<p>In my experience, I didn’t know anyone who actively pursued a co-op or internship who didn’t get one. The better students tend to get more high profile opportunities.</p>
<p>Re: The spam comment. Thought I’d clarify since I said it. When I was an undergrad, I was put on the listserv for my major (CS). Every time there was a research position, internship or other random news, someone in the department would send a message to the listserv. Junior/senior year of undergrad, I was getting e-mails every week.</p>
<p>Haha thanks for the reply. My roommate told me that one of his friends got tons of offers, more than he could possibly imagine, and I was like “no way” that would be too good to be true.</p>
<p>Haha. Sorry about that. I know I said something similar about “spamming” and wanted to be clear about what I meant. There will be positions open but, like FL317 said, you need to be active about pursuing everything presented to you. Seems like you are!</p>
<p>I’m not sure which major my roommate’s friend was in, but he received a ton of offers supposedly. And yea I am pretty focused on what I need to do when I get down there. Already trying to get involved with research and being an intern over the summer, and I am only 17… haha the days of being a kid and having relationships are completely over now ;)</p>