UC invented cooperative education in 1906. Today, our model delivers measurable ROI for employers through paid, curriculum-integrated talent pipelines.
Why employers trust UC co-op
UC’s co-op model is designed to support workforce development, hiring efficiency and long-term talent pipelines. Employers partner with UC to access prepared, motivated students who contribute immediately while gaining real-world experience aligned with their academic programs.
Key outcomes include:
- Paid, professional work experiences tied to academic curriculum
- Reliable hiring pipelines across technical and creative disciplines
- Students who balance coursework with applied learning
Employer outcomes at a glance
These outcomes demonstrate how UC’s co-op model supports both student success and employer workforce needs.
Cooperative education (co-op) at UC refers to paid, career-relevant work experiences integrated into a student’s academic curriculum. Co-ops are structured, supervised experiences that allow students to apply classroom learning while contributing to real organizational goals
Co-op vs. internship: What employers should know
Where co-op is required at UC
Co-op participation is a required component of degree programs in:
This ensures consistent employer access to students who are academically prepared and professionally supported.
How employers hire UC co-op students
Employers hire UC co-op students through Handshake, UC’s centralized hiring platform. Handshake allows employers to post opportunities, connect with students and alumni and participate in campus recruiting activities.
Employers can:
- Post co-op and internship roles
- Participate in career fairs
- Host information sessions
- Interview students on campus
- Connect with faculty partners
Learn how partnering with UC can support your workforce goals.
