Hello! I am trying to decide which one I should do in college, the Honors college or an engineering co-op. Has anyone ever done both? Is one better than the other, as far as potential job opportunities, etc.? Thanks in advance.
My son has several fraternity brothers who are doing co-ops or working part-time in the engineering field. All will probably receive job offers before they graduate from UAH. He knows of just one brother who did the Honors College, but he never did a co-op or internship. He plans to attend graduate school this fall. Not sure if this helps with your decision.
In my opinion, the opportunity to co-op is one of the highlights of engineering. There’s nothing like applying your education to a real life job. It helps you get more out of your education while gaining job experience.
@sebrown21 , participating in co-ops is definitely a beneficial experience, as @momreads and @GeorgiaMom50 have indicated. For students who participate in an internship or co-op through the school, UAH will hold their scholarships while they are working that semester until the semester they return to taking classes!
Students can secure some internships/co-ops through the careers fairs, which are offered in the fall and spring. My son said one of his fraternity brothers will be working at one of the engineering firms while taking 12 hours this fall. So it is possible to do classes and hold a job at the same time.
I’m assuming you are an incoming freshman?? I would go ahead and sign up for the Honors college as they have class options starting immediately. Co-op opportunities won’t happen for a while - Sophomore year or later. If the Honors program doesn’t work out for whatever reason you can drop it later. My son is a rising Sophomore and has met several of the Honors requirements already or knows how he plans to meet them within the classes he’s already planning to take. Give it a shot - you have nothing to lose.