Cooperative education programs (co-ops) give students the chance to gain real-world experience in their field while earning a degree — but knowing how and where to find those opportunities is critical. Whether your college has a formal co-op program or you're navigating the process independently, here’s how to uncover and land the right co-op position for your goals.
1. Start with Your College’s Co-op or Career Services Office
Your college is the best place to begin your search. Most schools with co-op programs have a dedicated office or coordinator to help connect students with employers. These departments typically maintain partnerships with companies that actively recruit co-op students and offer resources like:
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Exclusive job boards or portals
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On-campus career fairs
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Resume and interview coaching
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Alumni networking events
If you’re a student at a school like Wentworth Institute of Technology, co-op placements are an integrated part of the curriculum, and staff can help guide you through every step of the search.
2. Use Handshake and School-Affiliated Platforms
Many colleges use Handshake, a platform designed specifically for students looking for internships, co-ops, and entry-level jobs. Through Handshake, you can:
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Browse co-op opportunities tailored to your major
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Filter roles based on paid/unpaid status, location, and more
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Receive recommendations based on your academic profile
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Register for career fairs and info sessions directly through the platform
Set up a complete profile and allow employers to find you as well.
3. Attend Career Fairs and Employer Info Sessions
Campus career fairs are one of the most direct ways to connect with employers offering co-ops. Whether hosted in person or virtually, these events often feature:
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Companies actively seeking students for co-op roles
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On-the-spot resume reviews and screenings
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Networking with recruiters and alumni working in your field
Make a plan to attend at least one fair per semester. Research participating employers ahead of time, prepare a short elevator pitch, and dress professionally.
4. Explore Industry-Specific Job Boards
Beyond college-affiliated platforms, you can find co-op opportunities on niche job boards that serve your field. Some popular options include:
Use keywords like “co-op,” “student placement,” or “work-integrated learning” to narrow your search.
5. Tap Into LinkedIn and Alumni Networks
LinkedIn is a powerful tool for discovering co-op opportunities — both through job postings and personal connections. Start by:
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Creating a student-friendly profile with an updated headline and summary
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Following companies in your industry
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Reaching out to alumni from your school who work in roles or industries that interest you
Search using filters like “entry-level,” “internship,” and “co-op,” and make sure your profile is visible to recruiters. Here’s LinkedIn’s student profile checklist to help you get started.
6. Reach Out to Faculty and Academic Advisors
Professors and advisors often have direct connections to companies that regularly hire students from your program. They may be aware of:
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Department-specific co-op postings
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Alumni referrals and company contacts
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Research opportunities that count as co-op credit
Don’t be afraid to ask, “Do you know of any companies looking for students like me?” A simple conversation can lead to a big opportunity.
7. Apply Directly to Company Career Pages
If there’s a specific company you’re excited about, go directly to their careers page and search for student programs, internships, or co-ops. Look for:
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Programs labeled “early career,” “university recruitment,” or “student experience”
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Summer or semester-long placements aligned with your major
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Dedicated co-op tracks in industries like engineering, business, and tech
Some companies post co-op roles months in advance, so bookmark and check frequently.
8. Use Professional Associations and Certifications
Join student chapters of industry associations — many offer exclusive job boards or events. For example:
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IEEE (engineering and tech)
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AMA (marketing and business)
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AIAS (architecture and design)
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NSPE (engineering)
Membership in these organizations can also strengthen your resume and give you access to mentorship, scholarships, and employer introductions.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Co-op Is About Strategy
A great co-op placement can launch your career, build your confidence, and help you clarify your professional goals. By combining school resources, job platforms, and personal outreach, you’ll open more doors and increase your chances of finding a role that’s both meaningful and aligned with your degree.
Start early, stay organized, and don’t hesitate to ask for help along the way.
