Student Resources
Our office provides several services and events each semester. Take advantage of these opportunities to make sure you are prepared!
Tips For a Successful Semester
- Have your resume critiqued by our office in 335 McCain Hall or email it to us at coop@career.msstate.edu.
- Check out Career Center Guides for great information about career fair prep, career readiness competencies, networking, and much more.
- Check your email regularly for important news from the Co-op office.
- Schedule a mock interview by calling 662-328-3823 or 662-325-3344.
- Plan to attend semester events listed below.
Semester Events
Co-op Program Information Sessions
These are offered during early fall and spring semesters over one to two weeks with dates and times posted on the semester handout provided by the co-op office. Our career advisors will walk through setting up your Connections account, co-op and internship program requirements, and how to prepare for upcoming events.
Applied Meeting
This meeting is held both fall and spring semester leading up to Career Expo and Co-op and Internship Interview Days. We will show students how to search for companies and sign up for interviews. All students interested in applying for interviews during the semester should plan to attend.
Career Expo
This is a great opportunity to network with potential employers and learn more about the opportunities their company has to offer. This event is scheduled over two days during the fall and spring semesters.
Co-op and Internship Interview Days
Held during the fall and spring semester with prior interview sign for students. Typically, 50 – 60 employers attend this event and as many as 250 pre-screened students participate each semester. The event is popular for companies (automotive, banking, biotechnology, chemical, government agencies, etc.) who are certain about their need for ongoing student talent and want to work directly with Co-op Program professionals to arrange the interviews they need.
On Campus Interviews
Job postings and interviews are available during fall and spring semesters to employers that prefer to schedule individual campus dates. Job postings for these interviews can be found in your Connections account.
Accepting an Offer?
Congratulations! Your next step will be to report your offer to the program office and set up an appointment to meet with your career advisor. During your meeting you will complete placement paperwork, discuss program policies and procedures, and review a checklist which includes registering for the co-op/internship class.
Work Semester
| Work Semester | Begin Work | End Work |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | August 16 | December 31 |
| Spring 2024 | January 2 | May 10 |
| Summer 2024 | May 13 | August 9 |
Begin Classes & Final Exams
| Semester | Begin Classes | Exams End |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2023 | August 16 | December 7 |
| Spring 2024 | January 16 | May 8 |
| Summer 2024 | June 3 | August 6 |
*The above dates are provided as a guide for employers and students to insure compatibility with the University academic calendar.
Interested in Becoming a Co-op Ambassador?
Ambassadors promote the Cooperative Education and Internship Program across campus and serve as peer advisors to students in need of career assistance.
Ambassador applications are collected in March of each year. Interviews will be conducted in April and new ambassadors will be named before the end of the semester.
Benefits
- Help others with their job search
- Enhance your presentation skills
- Interact with potential employers
- Explore career resources
- Advise program staff on student needs
Qualifications
- Must have completed a three-term co-op or 2 formal internship experiences on record with our office
- Minimum 2.50 GPA
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work 12-15 hours per week