How to find a co-op or internship: A guide for students at UC (and beyond)

At UC, where cooperative education (co-op) is a cornerstone of the college experience, knowing how to find a co-op or internship can make all the difference.

This guide breaks down essential strategies for how to get a co-op or internship, offers tips for making the most of UC’s resources, and even dives into what the co-op or internship Reddit community can teach you. Let’s get started.

Co-ops and internships bridge the gap between classroom theory and real-world experience. They help you:

• Build professional networks
• Explore career paths
• Gain hands-on experience
• Increase your chances of post-grad employment

At the University of Cincinnati, co-ops aren’t just encouraged — they’re integrated into the curriculum for all majors. UC pioneered cooperative education more than 100 years ago, and today it's embedded in programs across engineering, business, design, IT, the liberal arts and more.

One of the top mistakes students make is waiting too long. Start exploring opportunities at least six to nine months before when you want to work. At UC, many students begin their initial search as early as their first or second year.

UC offers a robust network of support for co-op and internship seekers:

• Handshake: UC’s job portal is full of vetted co-op and internship opportunities tailored for Bearcats.
• Co-op advisers and career coaches: These specialists help students with resume reviews, interview prep and job search strategy.
• Career fairs: Held throughout the year, these events connect students with employers actively hiring for co-op or internship roles.

Don’t underestimate the power of connections. UC alumni, professors, advisers and classmates can be powerful allies in your search.

Tips for networking:

• Attend UC alumni panels and industry nights
• Connect with employers at on-campus recruitment events
• Use LinkedIn to reach out to professionals in your desired field

Grow your network: How to make the most out of any networking event

Some of the best co-op or internship roles are posted on job search sites:

• LinkedIn Jobs
• Indeed
• WayUp
• Glassdoor

Search using phrases like “co-ops in [field],” “how to get an internship in [your major]” or “entry-level [industry] internships.”

Have a specific company in mind? Check their website regularly for co-ops and internships, job openings and other career opportunities.

Want honest, unfiltered advice? Co-op or internship Reddit communities like r/internships, r/college and r/cscareerquestions are gold mines for tips, resume feedback, and insider experiences.

Try searching posts titled:

• “How to find a co-op or internship as a freshman”
• “Tips on how to get an internship at a tech company”
• “What I wish I knew before my first co-op”

Just remember: While Reddit is useful, always double-check advice with your UC co-op adviser, faculty member or a trusted mentor.

To stand out, you need more than just good grades.

• Tailor each application to the job description
• Highlight hands-on projects (especially if you're a UC student who's taken part in labs, studios or service-learning)
• Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., “Increased engagement by 40%”)

Get started: How to write a standout cover letter

• Practice STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) responses
• Prepare questions to ask the interviewer
• Use UC’s mock interview services and career coaching

Stand out: 7 internship interview tips to help you land the role

Everyone has to start somewhere. But how can you get work experience without having any work experience? It’s a common dilemma. Here’s how to handle it:

• Start with on-campus jobs or research positions to build skills
• Volunteer in relevant fields
• Take on freelance or personal projects you can showcase
• Join student organizations that simulate real-world experience (e.g., Bearcat LaunchPad, student government or student professional organizations)

Remember, UC’s co-op program is designed to help students start somewhere — even if it’s small.

If you're a prospective student wondering whether UC is the right fit, here’s what sets us apart:

• Ranked #4 in the nation for co-ops and internships by U.S. News & World Report
• Paid co-op placements integrated into many degree paths
• Strong partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups
• Global opportunities abroad
• Dedicated co-op advisers who support you through every step

UC doesn’t just teach you how to find a co-op or internship — we build it into your academic journey.

The process might feel overwhelming, but it’s also exciting. Whether you're using UC’s specialized resources or browsing co-op or internship Reddit pages, there’s no one “right” way to find your opportunity. What matters most is starting early, being proactive and staying open to learning.

Remember:

• Use all your university’s resources (like UC’s Career Education resources or Bearcat Promise Career Studio)
• Customize every application
• Treat every interview like a learning opportunity
• Keep going — even if you hear “no” a few times

With the right approach, you’ll not only learn how to get an internship — you’ll land one that changes your life.

Ready to begin your career journey? Explore co-op at UC to find resources, schedule an advising session and find opportunities in your program.