Internships and Co-ops

Take your education out of the classroom and into the real world with a internship or co-op. You’ll have the opportunity to learn on the job, build your résumé, and potentially earn college credit—and a paycheck.

What is the difference between an internship and a co-op?

Both are real jobs at real companies and organizations. Co-ops, or cooperative education positions, are generally paid, provide academic credit, and are directly related to your major. Internships generally take place in the summer but are not limited.   Some may be paid and you may opt to earn academic credit (BUS3900) by developing a proposal with the assistance of an College of Business Faculty member. Internship opportunities for Business and Economics students are becoming a "norm" for professional development. Industry sees internships as a "trial" run for possible full-time professional employment. If you are doing a co-op for academic credit but wish to complete an elective for your business degree curriculum please see the College of Business Academic Advisor for more information. The UN credits managed by Career Services could be utilized within your degree audit.

How do I earn academic credit with an Internship?

As a part of our curriculum with all of our majors (except Economics) we have BUS3900: Business Internship as an elective option. So how do you get credit?

Academic credit for internships is contingent upon development of a proposal along with support from a faculty member in College of Business whom agrees to work with you during your internship semester.

The proposal is submitted to the Academic Advisor and then reviewed by a committee of faculty for final approval. Upon approval your Academic Advisor will register you for your BUS3900 credits.

The downloadable form can be found here: BUS3900 Business Internship Proposal. *Note academic credit MUST be earned during the time you are working for your internship.

How do I find an internship or co-op?

Co-ops and internships are available to College of Business students in a variety of fields and business settings. Internship opportunities are emailed out to students as applicable. Student can also contact Career Services and attend the Career Fair each fall and spring to apply for internship opportunities. To learn more about finding and applying for co-ops or internship that suit you, contact Jodie Filpus-Paakola.

Where do our students get internships and co-ops?

  • Ernst and Young
  • Cummins Inc
  • Makela, Toutant, Hill and Nardi
  • Car and Driver Magazine
  • Wells Fargo
  • JPMorgan Chase
  • Metro Marketing
  • DTE Energy
  • Boeing
  • Sentry Insurance
  • UMB Bank
  • Liberty Mutual Group
  • Lake Accounting
  • Harley-Davidson
  • Heartland Business Solutions
  • 3M
  • Edward Jones
  • The Dow Chemical Company
  • Compellent Tech
  • Ameriprise Financial
  • Kerber, Rose and Associates
  • Ford Motor Company