Engineering Cooperative (Co-op) Education

Grand Valley State University has one of the strongest mandatory engineering cooperative education (co-op) programs in the nation.  The cooperative education program is a partnership between the university, student, and an engineering employer, resulting in an experiential learning work experience that is integrated into the student’s degree program.

 

Co-op Standard Sequence:  40 hours per week for alternating semesters

Students typically begin searching in Fall of their sophomore year:

If interested in a Winter Co-op I start for a standard co-op sequence, contact the Co-op Coordinator, Ethan Tanis, taniset@gvsu.edu.  If interested in securing a flexible part-time co-op sequence, it is critical to proactively discuss with the prospective employer and Co-op Coordinator, Ethan Tanis, taniset@gvsu.edu.   Ethan can assist in the planning necessary for part-time work (6 consecutive semesters, 20 hours per week), while enrolling in part-time coursework; this is referred to as a “Flex” schedule.

 

Engineering Co-op Students and Employers:

Students seeking assistance in Career Services (resumes, applications, job/co-op searching, etc) should SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT IN HANDSHAKE.  All inquiries for Co-op specific approvals and events should go to the Co-op Coordinator:

 

CO-OP STUDENT RESOURCES

 

CO-OP EMPLOYER RESOURCES

 

Ethan Tanis
Co-op Coordinator, Padnos College of Engineering
Phone: (616) 331-6021
Email: taniset@gvsu.edu

 

All other Co-op inquiries:

Diane LaFreniere
James R. Sebastian Chair of Cooperative Education
Phone: (616) 331-6001
Email: lafrenid@gvsu.edu