About the Co-op program

What is it?

The Cooperative Education Program is designed for Cal Poly Pomona students who want to obtain paid practical work experience while pursuing a degree. Co-op prepares undergraduate as well as graduate students for entry into the work force by offering opportunities for practical hands-on training prior to graduation. This on-the-job training gives the co-op student a competitive edge over others who have not had previous experience in their field of study. Many Cal Poly Pomona graduates have benefited greatly from their participation in the Co-op Program, and because of their experience, found themselves several steps ahead of their peers when entering the work force.

Following is a list of guidelines for students interested in Cooperative Education.

Complete a co-op application form on the Co-op website
Check the Co-op website for available positions. Postings can also be found on the Bulletin Boards in Building 8 on the 1st and 3rd floors. Students should also consider subscribing to the website’s mailing list to request that all new postings, in the specified major(s), be emailed to them immediately upon posting.
If a Cal Poly Pomona student already has a job (related to their major) and would like to use it for co-op credit - the student must first fill out an online Co-op Application form (unless they have already done so). Next, the student needs to complete the “Request for Cooperative Education Units for Position Not Offered Through the Co-op Office” (available on the website), carefully following the instructions listed on the bottom of the form regarding the required letter from their supervisor. Once all of the documentation has been completed, the student should turn it into the Co-op Office for information on enrolling for the appropriate Co-op class.
If the student would like to apply for a specific job, he/she should follow the application procedure outlined on the bottom of the job announcement or on the website.
Once all of the application materials have been submitted to the Co-op Office, they will be forwarded to the appropriate contact person.
The employer will review the applications, call the desired students for interviews, and will usually conduct the interviews at the work site (occasionally the employer will ask the Co-op Office to make arrangements on campus). Students should not contact the company for interview information.
Once the interviews are completed, the employer will notify the selected student(s). The selected student should contact the Co-op Office informing them that they have been hired. The student will then receive information about adding the appropriate Co-op course.
All Co-op students MUST add the required Co-op course(s) (through the Co-op Office) each quarter that he/she holds their Co-op position or until they graduate.
After a student begins to work, he/she is required to:
- Submit the required coursework by the due date (a written report due no later than Thursday of the 9th week of the quarter, Tuesday during fall quarter. Failure to do so will result in the assignment of an "F" grade);
- Complete a "student evaluation" form (an evaluation of the co-op experience).
If a student wishes to continue in the co-op job, the following quarter requirements must be met:
- Add the units at the beginning of each quarter; (students will be notified of the appropriate course);
- students will be instructed to obtain their "quarterly assignment" packet;
- assignments for students continuing after the 1st and 2nd quarters will vary from the standard 1st and 2nd quarter reports.

Co-op jobs usually last a minimum of two quarters, can be part or full time, generally are located in Southern California and offer a broad salary range depending on the company as well as the student’s academic standing, grades, and experience. Companies usually prefer junior or senior applicants, but occasionally sophomores are requested. Generally, any student desiring valuable work experience prior to graduation, who has a GPA of 2.0 or above and is at least a sophomore, is encouraged to become involved in the Co-op Program.

How do I participate?

Students can participate by getting hired by an employer advertising on our website (click the helpful "jobs" link on the left to see these), or can get credit for a job they already have, if it meets certain conditions.

Employers can offer jobs through the program, provided that they meet certain criteria. Among these:

The position must be paid.
The employer isn't based out of a private residence
Personnel from the Coop program must be able to make a site visit before any students are hired.
Ideally, the employer shouldn't have a problem employing the students for at least two or three quarters (though this isn't usually a problem).

If interested, employers are encouraged to contact the office for more information.