Launch Your Career

Approximately 87% of Ohio State engineering students report having some industry-based experience prior to graduation. 

The college’s Engineering Career Services (ECS) is dedicated to helping Buckeye engineers grow and excel professionally. ECS provides a variety of career services to support students in their job searches and experiences. These include:

  • Job search resources: Tools such as a student handbook, blogs, videos, Weekly Wire newsletter, diversity resources and Handshake—an online job posting system—are available.
  • Programs: ECS offers many programs that connect students with employers. Career fairs provide opportunities for students to talk directly to employers about internship, co-op and full-time opportunities. Career Week, Intern Week and Recruiter in Residence let students get feedback and advice directly from employers on resumes, interviewing skills and more. All of these are great avenues to landing an internship, co-op or full-time opportunity!
  • Appointments with career advisors and peer coaches: Career advisors/peer coaches review resumes to ensure they are in an industry-accepted format, well written and free from spelling and grammar mistakes. Career advisors also discuss job search strategies including interviewing tips and salary negotiation.
  • Workshops: ECS hosts numerous workshops throughout the semester, covering topics such as salary negotiations, building a strong LinkedIn profile and interview strategies.

Co-ops and Internships

At Ohio State, cooperative education experiences (co-ops) and internships are defined as specific, paid employment opportunities for current students made available through employers’ formal co-op and internship programs. These experiences include meaningful career-related work, close supervision and performance feedback. Students can be flexible in the semesters they are available to work.

Wages for undergraduate students in engineering-related internship, co-op, research and part-time positions average $22.00 an hour. ECS vets all advertised opportunities to ensure potential growth and guaranteed compensation.

ECS provides support before, during and after the work experience. Students who enroll in ENGR 4191, a zero-credit course offered through ECS, receive official documentation of work experience on their transcript.

What's the difference between co-ops and internships?

  • A co-op is a rotational program that typically alternates work and school terms and allows students to gain hands-on experience, technical knowledge and industry connections.
  • Internships are typically one term and provide a shorter commitment from students in both the skills needed and time committed. Internships help solidify skills gained through our engineering classes.

Learn more about what Engineering Career Services has to offer.

Real-World Experience

Grant, a Mechanical Engineering student
"ECS excels in preparing students for the professional world and connecting them with companies seeking Buckeye engineers. The internships that I’ve obtained through ECS have been phenomenal and their staff has been instrumental in my preparation and professional development." – Grant, Mechanical Engineering