An internship is generally defined as one full-time or part-time work experience over one summer OR one part-time work experience over one regular semester (fall/spring). An internship might be for academic-credit or not for academic credit. An internship might be paid OR unpaid, if it meets FLSA definitions. Students can earn pay from the employer AND academic credit from ASU, if their academic program offers internship course credit.
A cooperative educational experience (co-op) is generally a longer full-time work experience inclusive of a fall and/or a spring semester in addition to summer. A co-op might be for academic-credit or not for academic credit. A co-op is almost always paid. Students can earn pay from the employer AND academic credit from ASU, if their academic program offers co-op/internship credit.
Employers may use the term “co-op” and “internship” interchangeably. Be sure to ask start/end dates, # of hours/week, start/end of shifts, and if there is an obligation to return for another period of time.
For those considering a co-op or other opportunities where you might take a regular semester off from classes or a reduced course load, there are many things to consider:
- Review your academic program’s website regarding internships/co-op courses. Speak with your academic advisor about the opportunity.
- Ask about taking the opportunity as a for-credit internship class, how many credits will you earn, and will if it counts toward anything you need like a technical elective.
- If the opportunity is for multiple semesters, learn if the course can be repeated or if there is a course series.
- Ask how your other classes during that semester would work, including if you can take asynchronous classes, night classes, etc.
- Learn if critical path classes are offered every semester and possible ramifications of being off-track for graduation.
- Map out your remaining semester courses.
- Ask about taking the opportunity as a for-credit internship class, how many credits will you earn, and will if it counts toward anything you need like a technical elective.
- If you have loans/scholarships, speak with Financial Aid to understand impacts to financial aid, loans, and scholarships and implications if you are not a full-time student.
- Consider how your health insurance, car insurance, and other issues will be affected if you are not a full-time student.
- If you live on-campus, can you still live on campus? If you need to relocate, what will you do about your current housing?
- If you are an International student, speak with the ISSC to learn if you qualify for CPT; if you can take part in an internship/co-op which would be in another location; are you permitted to be off-track from graduation; and other potential issues.
- If you are a US Veteran who is receiving benefits, speak with that department.
- If you are an Athlete, speak with the Athletics department.
- If you currently have an on-campus or off-campus job, what will happen in your absence?