<p>I am currently a senior computer engineering student with one more semester left before graduating.</p>
<p>I decided to take a co-op about a month ago thinking that it would be a good experience even if it would delay my graduation. The company is well known in the field I would like to work in and the compensation was also satisfactory. </p>
<p>However, many things have happened to me personally soon after deciding on the co-op. Due to these events, I need to graduate by December 2012. To allow that, I must quit this co-op after the Summer. </p>
<p>I understand that this is not very professional, but I don't think I'll be able to spend the time after the Summer to stay with the company as a co-op. I will be starting work the upcoming week, so I haven't even had a chance to evaluate how I might like the work. Even if I do end up enjoying the work, I still don't believe I'll be able to spend more than this Summer working.</p>
<p>I will end up making my final decision once I had a chance to get a feel for the work, but I am not sure how to approach my employer about my intentions. I understand that quitting will probably end up burning my bridge with the company, but I would like to avoid that if there is any way possible. </p>
<p>I would like to ask you guys for any suggestion/advice. It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks you!!</p>
<p>I can’t give advice on how to approach them, but just make absolutely sure this is a necessity. If you look around at other forums outside of CC, even though I am having an extra-hard time due to my MIS major (on top of many other reasons), students of all kinds, including CS/CE are also struggling to find ANY kind of internship or job. This co-op would help you a lot, if it is somehow possible to make it work.</p>
<p>I understand your concerns regarding how valuable this experience would be with the economy the way it is. However, I’ve had another co-op with a different company for 6-months as well. I’m hoping that even though I might be cutting this one short, having that previous experience will be enough to help me find something after I graduate.</p>
<p>This is not professional at all. The thing preventing you from working the rest of the coop must be 100% important and something that is a necessity. Don’t burn unnecessary bridges if you can. </p>
<p>Just know that you will need references in your job hunt and if other companies contact your coop company, they probably won’t give you a good recommendation given that you go back on your word [and perhaps did not allow you to finish the project that they assigned you]</p>
<p>Now this is your choice so if you feel like you’d rather cut your coop short, then do it in the most professional matter as possible. Talk personally with your boss and give your circumstances. Afterwards notify HR of the change. Do this as soon as you start so that they have ample time to think about your assignment and not be totally bitter about it.</p>
<p>You also need to find out if quitting this co-op will affect your graduation, since sometimes, co-ops are considered a class. </p>
<p>Best thing is to be honest with the employer about your situation and why you need to leave early. Something personal, like a death or birth in the family, is out of your control, and I can’t imagine someone penalizing you for leaving because of that. If, however, you just don’t like the job anymore, that’s a different story. If it’s a matter of discrimination or abuse that is making you uncomfortable and is forcing you to leave, then you should seek legal advice to seek what your rights are.</p>