Is co-op worth it?

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I am eligible for the co-op program at my school. It will take me five years to graduate and I will alternate school and work every semester until my senior year. Is the work experience worth it or am I wasting my time and getting behind my studies as doing work may hamper my studies as I might forget things. I don't really care about the money I will make.</p>

2

<p>The experience IS worth it. It makes it much easier to get a job right out of school, you get more hands on experience, etc. </p>

<p>Really, work experience may be MORE important than the degree/name of the degree you have.</p>

3

<p>I agree.But im kinda conflicted.I dont know if i should just do four internships throughout college or do a co op and spend 5 years in college.I mean really, whats the difference between a co op and an internship?</p>

4

<p>A lot! Co-ops are seen as much more impressive because of the time spent. If you are on a team that gets anything done and you have done a significant part it is GREAT for a resume. But of course if research is what you would rather do, then you should do an internship (or co-op?) with a lab and get your name on some papers.</p>

5

<p>Is it possible to start the co op in my sophomore year so that i can still graduate in 4 years?</p>

6

<p>i also never really got the point of co-op vs 4 internships.
4 meaningful internships should be good enough.</p>