The Truth About Drexel Co-op

Is co-op employment guaranteed? 

One of the best — and most challenging — aspects of co-op employment is that it mirrors the labor market of the real world. While 95% of Drexel Co-op students were employed in the last calendar year, co-op employment is not guaranteed.

Just like how employers are not guaranteed a student, students are not guaranteed a job. Although it's uncommon, some students may unfortunately not find a co-op by the start of the term. If a student does not secure a position by the start of the term, they have the option to go back to classes or consider a leave for that term.

Are all co-ops paid?

The majority of undergraduate co-ops are both full-time and paid, and of those that are both, the gross median six-month salary is more than $22,000. However, while more than 80% of all co-op positions are paid by the employer, not all co-ops are paid. The co-op market is a reflection of the labor market, with co-op availability and salaries mirroring real-world events and trends. Whether paid or unpaid, co-op offers unparalleled industry experience with leading brands and companies that will allow you to build an impactful résumé before you even graduate, as well as test-drive your future career to see if it's a good fit.

Are co-op opportunities available year-round?

Co-op opportunities are constantly changing. While Drexel students cannot choose their preferred co-op cycle — and some programs only permit students to participate in co-op at certain times of the year — the Steinbright team works hard to split co-op term assignments across the calendar year equitably to ensure employers have students to hire and students can balance co-op, academics, and campus life. Additionally, employers' budgets and hiring decisions don't necessarily align with Drexel's co-op calendars. Therefore, new co-op opportunities become available all the time. Learn more about how co-op cycles are assigned. 

Do job and student quality go down after the A-round?

Drexel has three rounds of co-op applications — A, B, and C. Each round is comprised of a five-day window in which students are encouraged to apply to up to 35 jobs. After students send in their résumés, employers may request an interview. Then, both students and the employers will rank their preferred options. The optimal pairing process is an algorithm that occurs after rankings are entered, aiming to pair the most employers and students together.

Applying to co-ops in rounds B and C does not reflect poorly on the quality of students or available jobs. Some students are working outside the system to obtain a "dream job" and therefore do not participate in the A-round but may participate in a later round. Not every student that participates in A-round and receives a job offer will accept that offer. Also, employers' budgets and hiring decisions don't follow Drexel's co-op calendar. Thus, the job-seeking students and the students seeking jobs in rounds B and C are no less worthy, talented, or prestigious than those in round A. 

Is the spring/summer cycle better than the fall/winter cycle?

No co-op cycle is inherently better or worse than the other. Employers post available jobs without considering cycles, and they need students' talents and skills year-round. However, competition for jobs is much higher in the spring/summer cycle because more students are scheduled for spring/summer co-op due to program requirements. Additionally, students applying for spring/summer co-ops are also competing with external summer internship programs and applicants.

Are all open co-op jobs available in SCDConline?

While most Drexel students find co-op opportunities through our systems and resources, some students find extraordinary opportunities on their own. A student who has a connection outside of Drexel or who finds an employer who has never partnered with Drexel before simply has to submit the opportunity's information to their co-op advisor.

Students with specific interests should research and understand the geographic landscape of their industries. For example, many premier finance firms are located in New York City. Meanwhile, other students would like to live at home while on co-op to save some money. The jobs in our SCDConline system tend to be regional, so students may have to look outside the system to find a job near their industry or where they live.

Should I go on co-op internationally?

Students who go on international co-op receive just as much support from their co-op advisor during the process as any other student. It is worth researching international options, as securing a co-op job abroad can provide you with a distinct advantage in the global economy. Students who choose an international co-op experience will enhance their employability, gain an international perspective in their field, heighten their understanding of the world, and broaden their cultural knowledge.

Will the co-op team help me find housing if relocation is required for a co-op job?

While the co-op team is dedicated to supporting students during their job search and while on co-op, we do not have the resources to help students find housing for their relocation. Students are responsible for securing their own housing and transportation for co-op.

Students who choose a co-op close to Drexel's campus can continue to live in their Drexel residence. Students who live on campus and secure a co-op position located more than 10 miles from Drexel's campus can get out of their housing agreement while on co-op. We recommend that students living off-campus talk to their landlord about their options, such as sub-letting their apartment while away on co-op.

Some co-op employers may provide housing guidance or resources to their students. If you have secured a job abroad, check with your co-op employer for any tips on how to secure housing. You can also check out colleges and universities in the area to get information about student housing there. Additionally, students returning from co-op complete exit interviews (ES&Ps) that future co-op students can review — you can use previous students' housing information to plan your own co-op housing.

Will I get passed over for a peer with better grades?

Not necessarily! While some jobs do require GPA minimums, many other factors are just as important. These include effort, following directions, enthusiasm, skills, and prior work experience. Remember, employers are not expecting students to be perfect — that's where training comes in. However, it is still important to put your best foot forward by showing up on time and dressing appropriately.

Is co-op a real job?

Yes! Co-op employment is similar to any other entry-level position, so you are expected to act as you would at a real job. This also means that co-op students may be let go by an employer if they are not performing as expected. In those cases, depending on the timing of the termination and the cause, the co-op team will help the student find a new opportunity.

Do I need to take more classes in my major before going on co-op?

Not according to our 1,400+ employers. While some may prefer more knowledgeable co-op students, many prefer students whom they can help grow as part of their long-term talent recruiting pipeline. In fact, 48% of co-op participants working full-time have received a job offer from a former co-op employer.

Another core benefit of co-op is the flow of information between the classroom and the real world. After going on co-op, students return with valuable new knowledge to share with their peers. If every student had completed their major requirements before going on co-op, Dragons would miss out on this essential facet of experiential learning.