The words "co-op" and "internship" are sometimes used interchangeably, as both are hands-on work experiences that students may complete in college. However, there are major differences between these two work-based learning opportunities.
Some colleges require all students or just specific majors to complete an internship or co-op before graduation. And even if there's not a requirement, experts advise students to still seek out these opportunities with help from career services at their school.
"My advice is, regardless if it's required for your degree program, it doesn't matter," says Maria Richart, director of career services and cooperative education at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. "You could be a journalism student or a biology student. Do something that will expose you to the potential field that you are interested in going in."
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Here's what students should know about co-ops and internships.
Definitions of a co-op and internship may vary per school, but the most common distinctions include duration, compensation and designated school-employer partnerships.
Internships can be part time or full time and typically take place in the summer, lasting around 10 to 12 weeks. However, some occur in the fall or spring semesters, while students take classes simultaneously. Students may participate in several internships while in college, giving them an opportunity to try various roles.
"The difference between, say, three internships versus two internships is negligible," says Ryan Willerton, associate vice president for career and professional development at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. "So, what you may hear students talking about........