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Internships & Co-Ops

Experiential learning bridges classroom knowledge with real-world engineering practice. Through co-ops and internships, you’ll work in professional settings, contribute to real projects, collaborate with engineers and build technical skills that directly prepare you for your career. Many employers use these experiences as a primary pathway for recruiting full-time hires, making them a key part of your professional development.

Most students complete their first co-op or internship after their sophomore year, once they’ve built a strong technical foundation. However, preparation should start earlier—some employers recruit up to a year in advance, including at events like job fairs in the fall for the following summer.

To stay competitive, begin early by updating your resume, practicing your elevator pitch, and researching companies of interest. Professional development advisors can also help you identify opportunities, refine application materials and prepare for interviews.

View the short ‘co-op summary’

Co-Op Program

Gain experience that sets you apart. Through the Engineering Co-op Program, you'll work alongside industry professionals, develop real-world engineering skills and build experience that employers value, all while preparing for your future career.

Find a Co-op Program
  • All students interested in co-op are REQUIRED to attend meeting online or in-person with Ms. Thurman PRIOR to enrolling in the undergraduate co-op program or co-op work session/course ENGR 3500.
  • When you return from your co-op a co-op seminar (3695) may be required for some majors and result in earned 1-3 credit hours, always check with your co-op advisor in your department or program.

F1 visa students may not be eligible for co-op during the fall and spring semesters due to the immigration policies. Please work with ISSO for experiential learning options.

Internships

Shorter placements (typically summer or one semester) that give you exposure to professional engineering work. Internships are often more flexible and can be repeated with different companies to explore different industries or roles.

Learn About Internships

Professional Development Advising

Work with professional development advisors to identify co-op and internship opportunities, build your resume and prepare for employer conversations

Professional Development

Contact Us

Linda Thurman

Director for Student Professional Development and Employer Relations
Career & Co-op Advisor
lthurman@charlotte.edu
704-687-5024
EPIC 1170
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