Co-op / / Learn As A Student. Earn As A Professional.
At Kettering, Co-op isn't just an option, it's one half of your educational experience.
Other schools may offer Co-op as a secondary educational opportunity. At Kettering, we know the true value of a Co-op. That's why we built it into your education. You will rotate between the classroom and real-life work experiences the entire time you are at Kettering. That's right, starting your first year, you will begin gaining job-related experience because we know that academics and Co-op experience are two equal parts that ensure your success after graduation.
When Do I Work?
When Do I Take Classes?
Kettering University has two separate sections of students known as A Section and B Section. When you are admitted to the University, you are assigned to one of the sections and that determines which terms you will take classes and which terms you will work at your Co-op.
TERM |
A SECTION |
B SECTION |
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Co-op |
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Co-op |
School |
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School |
Co-op |
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Co-op |
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How Much Can I Earn?
per hour
Average First Year Co-op Wage
per hour
Average Senior Co-op Wage
Every year we survey our Employer Partners about wages and benefits. Check out what our current students are earning.
A Secret We Want Everyone To Know
Hidden Gem
Kettering University has been identified as part of the College Gazette’s Top 10 Best “Hidden Gem” Technology Schools in the U.S. in 2021. Named #2, the report specifically mentioned Kettering’s Co-op model.
At Kettering, you have a chance to work with employers in areas like:
- Automotive
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)
- Healthcare (including hospitals and medical device manufacturers)
- Business (from small to enterprise level)
What You Should Know About Co-op
When you Co-op you will have opportunities to tune your skills, gain valuable hands-on experience and widen your network. All of that by the time you graduate.
Co-op Requirements
The majority of students complete between 7-9 Co-op terms before graduating. Before graduating you must complete a minimum number of Co-op terms.
- 2 completed Co-op terms prior to Junior year
- 3 completed Co-op terms after Junior year
Your role in Co-op employment
- Active participation
- Timely and professional communication
- Realistic expectations
- Open mind about types of employers
- Positive attitude
- Understand that Co-op is an entry level position
Role of Co-op Manager
- Coach
- Liaison between employers and University
- Assist with Co-op work reflection for each term
- Home managers are assigned by the state you live in and work with you to find a Co-op employer
- Site managers work directly with employers and students who seek employment with those employers or are employed already
Search Expectations for New Students
- Begins in spring
- Upload resume to Kettering Connect
- Attend admitted student experience
How to Search for Co-op Employment
- Kettering Connect includes job postings, documents and tips, and resume
- Employment fair
- You reach out to a company you are interested in with the help of Kettering
- Connect with alumni, family, friends and other students
Employment Fairs
- Spring Fair - March
- Summer Fair - August
- Fall Fair - October
Getting Started With Co-op
Want to know more details about co-op?
We have a team of co-op managers ready to talk with you.