The Cooperative Education and Internship Program (CEIP) is a work-based experiential learning program for undergraduate students to gain practical, career-related experience.
Through learning, reflection, and connection, students will apply classroom knowledge in an authentic work setting while developing professional competencies and technical skills necessary for career readiness and success.
CEIP is a partnership between Career and Professional Development, the student, the employer, and the academic department. Students enroll in a zero-credit academic course where they establish learning objectives, assess and develop professional competencies, and reflect on their experience with the support of a career coach. Students may enroll in full-time or part-time work options which will be noted on their official transcript.
Graduate students, please see the Graduate Cooperative Education Program.
Co-op vs. Internship – What’s the difference?
What is a co-op?
Cooperative Education (co-op) is an academic program that is meant to complement the student’s education through hands-on application in their field of study. It is a long-term plan that can start as early as their freshman year and can last the duration of the student’s academic career. Co-op involves multi-term work assignments/rotations with increased tasks and responsibilities as the student progresses through classes, obtaining in-depth work experience. Students will often remain with the same employer for the duration of their co-op experience for a scaffolding learning process. Virginia Tech offers a full-time co-op program where students will take a semester/summer off from classes to work full-time with an organization.
What is an internship?
Internships are typically project-based and last one semester or a short term. Internships often occur in the summer and will not interfere with academic classes, but some students will take advantage of the opportunity to intern full-time or part-time during the academic year as well. An internship becomes a valuable experiential learning when learning, reflection, and connection to academic studies and future career goals are integrated.
Both co-op and internship opportunities provide students with first-hand experience applying classroom theory to real-world practice, developing professional skills and identity, and creating realistic career expectations.
More Information
Meet the CEIP team!
Becca Scott
Director, Professional Development and Experiential Initiatives
Kayla Branson
Assistant Director, Professional Development and Experiential Programs
Jenean Meadows
Enrollment Coordinator
Contact us!
Phone: 540-231-8685
Email: ceip@vt.edu
