Course Description

Introduction to work-based learning, strategies to optimize work experience and learn skills and habits to best transition into a professional work environment. Writing an effective resume, strategic interviewing, professional networking strategies, and developing a list of goals to achieve and skills to develop in a professional environment. Effective approaches to oral and written communications.

Instructors

Behrouz Abedian, Mechanical Engineering
Ming Chow, Computer Science
Robin Kahan, Career Services
Qiaobing Xu, Biomedical Engineering

Meeting Time, Location, Enrollment

Time: Wednesdays, 3:00 - 4:15 PM
Location: Zoom. All the content of this course (Q&A, content, discussion) will be made available online.
Enrollment:
- Biomedical Engineering: 15 students maximum in ES-0085-BME
- Computer Science: 20 students maximum in ES-0085-CS
- Mechanical Engineering: 15 students maximum in ES-0085-ME

Prerequisites

Sophomore or Junior Standing in one of the following School of Engineering programs:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering

Credits

1.0 SHU
Free elective
PASS/FAIL grading

Topics

Resume writing
Cover letter writing
LinkedIn and Networking
Interview Prep
Interviewing
Negotiations
Being a Professional

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are A&S students eligible to do the co-op?
A: No, not currently. A&S has not approved co-ops yet.

Q: Do all the three co-op sections meet at the same time?
A: Yes. Room location will alternate each week. That is, all students will meet together on one week, and students meet in respective section on the following week.

Q: Is this program mandatory for all School of Engineering students?
A: No

Q: Say I am enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering co-op section, can I attend a Computer Science co-op class day?
A: Yes

Q: Will there be industry guest speakers?
A: Yes, absolutely!

Q: Is this co-op offered in both the fall and spring semesters?
A: Yes

Q: If fall 2020 goes online-only, will this course still happen?
A: Yes, as an online course.

Q: For fall 2020, is this an online course?
A: Yes, an online course.

Q: Will videos be recorded for this class?
A: Yes

Q: I am contemplating taking this course in the spring of my junior year. If I do so, will I still be able to have a co op afterward (in senior year)?
A: Yes

Q: What support is available for finding co-ops?
A: We have relationships with some local companies, and is working to build more. You are most welcome to find your own fall or spring co-op with a company of your choosing as well.

Q: What is the process to get a co-op?
A:

All offers of employment are coordinated through the School of Engineering Career Center. This policy allows students to view all of their co-op offers at one time, maximizes the number of opportunities for students by posting alternates, and keeps the Career Center aware of student's choices, thereby allowing each student to make the best informed decision. Companies will post their co-op opportunities to Handshake. Offers must be in writing that includes title, pay, and any benefits available to the student.
Employment offers are made for both cycles. Students who receive more than one prime offer must decline some offers, which are then made available to the next candidate, and so on. Employers consider alternative candidates to increase their chances of obtaining students for positions. We don't have this robust a process yet where there are companies who automatically will take a Tufts co-op – it is more like they post the opportunity and work with the student. We are there to make sure that the opportunity is worthwhile.
Upon notification of a student's acceptance, the employer shall send the written offer, with salary and benefit information, to the student, who will provide a copy to the School of Engineering Career Center. It is understood that co-op salaries and housing benefits vary widely across industries and demographic locations.

Q: What does the leave process really entails?
A: Students doing co-op are still considered enrolled at Tufts. The faculty coordinator will work with the registrar's office and the student to make this transition.

Q: Do I take classes during my co-op?
A: You will not be enrolled in any classes and you will not receive academic credit during the period of your co-op. You will still be considered a full-time Tufts student during the time you are participating in your co-op. This means, for example, that you will be eligible to use the Tufts library, attent Tufts events, participate in varsity or club athletics. If you have student loans, you will be reported to the federal government as a full-time student and your loans will continued to be deferred during your co-op.

Q: How much does it cost to do a co-op?
A: You will not be charged tuition for your co-op. As a full-time student, you will still be charged mandatory fees such as the activity fee and the health service fee, and you must continue to be covered by a health insurance plan.

Q: Will my financial aid be affected if I do a co-op?
A: Because you will not be charged tuition, you will not receive financial aid during your co-op. Tufts assumes that most students will be paid enough during their co-op period to cover their living expenses. If you need additional funds to help pay for living expenses during your co-co period, you may be eligible for a student loan. Co-op earnings will not count towards your financial aid eligibility when you apply for financial aid in future years. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for further details.

Q: I am studying Data Science in the SOE. Am I eligible to do co-op?
A: Because you are in the School of Engineering and the Data Science major is within Computer Science, you can do the co-op!

Q: How will co-op appear on transcript?
A: There will be a note on the transcript.

Q: What if I am an international student doing co-op after taking this course?
A: You will be doing your co-op via Curriculum Practical Training (CPT).