re: Dumb Question of the Day: Difference in Co-op and Internship?

As said above, a Co-Op is considering "Cooperative Education" where you apply in class education to the real world. Typically you do this by alternating semesters in school and semesters working. At Auburn, you work 40 hour+ full time weeks for a spring, summer and fall semester that finishes over a multi year window. Typically Co-Ops are paid more as they have practical work and educational experience in the field.


Companies love working with Co-Ops because it is essentially discounted labor (but pays more than internships) that also will come back multiple semesters so they have experience and are more valuable tahn an intern who spends half a summer just learning what to do then only has 3 weeks to apply it. You benefit from a coop as you will gain valuable work experience that will put you head and shoulders above your peers


Most people I know who get Co-Ops get hired on while most people with internships end up having a crapshoot with being hired back