Cooperative Education (Co-Ops), Internships, & Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Co-Op-specific programs offer students an exceptional opportunity to gain valuable work experience while studying. These programs involve alternating semesters between on-campus academic study and working with esteemed industry partners. By participating in a Co-Op, students can accumulate 12-20 months of paid work experience by the time they graduate. Completing all the requirements of the Co-Op Program will earn students an academic certificate to complement their Biomedical Engineering degree. This program has grown exponentially since the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering was established in 2004, and during the 2022-2023 school year, for example, over 60 of our students were off campus completing rotations toward their Co-Op certificate. Out of those 60+ students, we have had a 100% completion rate, which exhibits our students' success in the industry. It's a great way to enhance learning, develop practical skills, and improve job prospects after graduation.

 

 

You can explore internship and Cooperative Education  (Co-Op) opportunities by visiting Purdue's Office of Professional Practice (OPP) website. These experiences will help enhance your learning and provide valuable practical skills for your future career. There are three types of Co-Op experiences BME officially recognize:

3-Session Co-Op

This option provides an opportunity to engage in a three-semester experience (Fall, Spring, and Summer, in any order), allowing you to gain one year's worth of industry experience in the field of BME. Each semester will be assigned to a rotation. By registering for the 3-session Co-Op program, you will need to register for all three rotations to complete the program successfully. This option allows you to build valuable connections within the industry, widening your professional networks and building lasting relationships with both coworkers and fellow undergraduate Co-Ops. By being with a company for one year, you are also able to work on longer projects, getting more in-depth work experience.

Please speak with your academic advisor to confirm that your schedule will work. Also remember that your rotation schedule needs to be approved by the industry partner you will be working for.

5-Session Co-Op

This option allows you to participate in a five-semester experience (Three school year semesters and two summers) in any order, providing an excellent opportunity to gain extensive industry experience in the field of BME before graduation. Each semester will be designated to a specific rotation, offering valuable hands-on learning. To successfully complete the program, you will need to register for all five rotations within the 5-session Co-Op program. By taking advantage of this program, you will build even deeper relationships and professional networks with industry professionals, as well as be able to work on important, long-term projects not afforded to those in 3-session Co-Ops and internships.

It is important to speak with academic advisor to confirm whether your schedule will align with the program requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that your rotation schedule must be approved by the industry partner you will be working with.

Please note that choosing this option will result in extending your graduation timeline by more than a year. It is crucial to discuss this possibility with your primary academic advisor to ensure that it is a decision you are comfortable making and that aligns with your academic goals.

Flex Co-Op

A Flex Co-Op is similar to a standard Co-Op, as described earlier, with one key difference. Instead of remaining at a single company for a 3- or 5-session rotation schedule, you would have the opportunity to work at two different businesses. For the 3-session program, you are required to complete a minimum of two rotations at a single company, while for the 5-session program, a minimum of three rotations at a single company is necessary. This provides flexibility in gaining diverse industry experience by allowing you to explore multiple work environments throughout your Co-Op experience.

If you are offered a Co-Op or internship that you plan to register for, you will need to go over the BME Co-Op/Internship Checklist with academic advisor. Please feel free to download the checklist above and familiarize yourself with it prior to your meeting. Academic advisor will go over the document with you.

The difference between Co-Ops and Internships

In the Weldon School of BME, we have specific definitions for Co-Ops and internships. It is important to note that different companies in the BME industry may use these terms interchangeably, but we have our own definitions that guide our placement process. Even if our definitions of Co-Ops and internships do not align with the terminology used by the company you are interested in working with, rest assured that it does not create any issues. If you have any concerns or questions about the nature of your participation in a Co-Op or internship within the Weldon School, feel free to reach out to academic advisor. He will be able to provide you with a better understanding of what you can expect from your experience based on the Weldon School's definitions.

Here are BME definitions:

Internship

Internships are individual experiences that students have with employers, most often taking place during the summer, but one can do so during the Spring and Fall semesters as well. Unlike Co-Ops, internships are not rotational and do not extend across multiple semesters. It's worth noting that if you decide to participate in an internship during the Fall or Spring semesters, it may have an impact on your expected graduation date. To gain a clear understanding of how an internship might affect your academic progress, it is critical that you consult your primary academic advisor for personalized guidance and advice.

Co-Op

Co-Ops are comparable to internships as they provide the same valuable work experience, but the primary difference is Co-Ops have more than one rotation, allowing for students to acquire up to a year or more of work experience before they graduate. If you anticipate being away for more than one semester due to your Co-Op commitment, it is likely that it would be classified as a Co-Op. Be mindful that in order to be eligible for the Co-Op certificate, you will need to complete a minimum of three (3) rotations. If you have any inquiries or need clarification, feel free to reach out to academic advisor. He will be able to provide you with further information and address any questions you may have. And again, consulting with your primary academic advisor is critical for gaining a clear understanding of how participating in a Co-Op may influence your academic progress.

How do I acquire a Co-Op/Internship?

Students have various avenues to explore for Co-Op and internship opportunities. While opportunities can be found on platforms like LinkedIn, company websites, and through personal networks, BME students often discover these valuable experiences through the following common channels:

  • Industrial Roundtable: For many years, the Industrial Roundtable has played a crucial role in connecting employers with students at Purdue University. It serves as a platform where undergraduates and graduates can explore internship, Co-Op, and full-time job opportunities in their respective fields. The Purdue Engineering Student Council (PESC) takes pride in organizing this student-run career fair, which is one of the largest in the country, attracting over 400 companies and 12,000 students each year. Students from various majors, including engineering, science, technology, and management, are welcome to participate in this three-day event. According to USA Today, recruiters are highly interested in hiring Purdue students due to the university's national ranking, exceptional talent, and leadership skills. The Industrial Roundtable provides employers with a unique chance to personally connect with numerous outstanding Purdue students and graduates. This is where many of our Weldon School students find their opportunities.

    An IR Prep Night is hosted by PESC.
  • PESC Engineering Spring Hybrid Expo: The EXPO career fair is an exciting event that takes place over two days and brings together more than 160 companies and 4000 students. It provides a valuable opportunity for students to interact with industry professionals, explore career possibilities, and make meaningful connections for future internships, Co-Ops, and job opportunities.
  • Professional Practice Co-Op Days: During the annual Professional Practice Days, Purdue University hosts the Professional Practice Career Fair, where students from various fields of study can engage with participating companies. This event welcomes students from Engineering, Science, Polytechnic, Management, and Pharmacy to explore internship, Co-Op, and full-time job opportunities. It provides a platform for students to connect with employers directly on campus and learn more about potential career paths in their respective fields.

Please understand that no student is guaranteed a Co-Op or internship opportunity. One must work for these opportunities, but BME can aid you in the process. For more opportunities and events, go to the Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) website.

What do I do once I have an offer secured?

After receiving your offer letter for a Co-Op or internship, please send it to academic advisor. He/She will guide you through the next steps in the process.

  1. Once you accept a Co-Op offer from the company you plan to work with, send a copy of your offer letter to Astin Glidden.
  2. Schedule an appointment with academic advisor to complete the BME Co-Op/internship checklist.
  3. Contact your primary academic advisor to confirm what your academic progress will look like after adding this experience.

If you are an international student or a recipient of a PELL grant, it is important that you register for your Co-Op or internship. This is particularly crucial for internships taking place in the Fall or Spring, as registering ensures that your experience is officially recorded in the Purdue system and helps prevent any potential issues related to your absence during the semester(s) you will be away.

However, if you are a US citizen without a PELL grant and are pursuing a Co-Op or internship, official registration is not mandatory. Nevertheless, BME kindly requests that you inform the Co-Op and internship coordinator before starting your internship. It is essential to consider that if you plan to have multiple Co-Op rotations, not registering could negatively impact your progress and result in a delayed graduation date.

When you register for a Co-Op or internship, you are exempt from paying tuition fees. However, it is crucial to note that unregistered internships cannot be retrospectively counted if you decide to convert them into Co-Op experiences later on. Opportunities that were not previously registered cannot be accepted.

For any further information or inquiries, please feel free to reach out to academic advisor. We are always here to assist you.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

If you are an international student and wish to gain work experience in the United States, whether paid or unpaid, you need authorization through the Curricular Practical Training (CPT) program. However, please note that CPT eligibility begins one year after you physically arrive on campus.

To initiate the process, you should have completed two full academic semesters (Fall/Spring) before applying for an internship, or one full academic semester before applying for a Co-Op experience. Additionally, you must be in good academic standing, which means not being on any academic probation or academic warning list.

Before applying for CPT, you must have already received an offer for an internship or Co-Op experience. The offer letter must include important details such as official beginning and end dates. For internships, the start date should align with course registration dates for the corresponding semester, and the internship should end before the following semester begins. For Co-Op offers, the experience should span at least two semesters, either consecutively or alternately, and the final semester of the Co-Op should conclude before the subsequent semester begins.

Purdue Professional Practice Program

If you are a student participating in the Professional Practice Program, it is important to adhere to the guidelines established by the Office of Professional Practice. These guidelines serve as a framework to ensure a successful experience within the program.

Flex Co-Op Information

To understand the policies of the flexible Purdue Co-Op Program, it is recommended to review the guidelines provided by the Office of Professional Practice. These policies outline the rules and regulations that govern the program and provide important information for participating students. Click here to review the Purdue Co-Op Program policies.

List of Co-Op Employers

Purdue students have had the opportunity to work with many different companies through Co-Op experiences. Here is a list of some of the employers who have recently hired Purdue Co-Op students.

International Students

If you have questions regarding the BME Co-Op process, please contact your academic advisor. If you are looking for career coaching or information regarding job search strategies, please contact Darshini Render (render@purdue.edu), the Associate Director of Undergraduate Programs in BME.