Are you interested in participating in a co-op or internship? Here are a few steps to help you get started:
Set Up Your Connections Account
- Login to your Connections account at connections.msstate.edu using your MyState username and password
- Click on your initials in the top right corner of your homepage then select My Account
- Complete the Personal Information, Academic Profile, and Experiential Learning categories
Schedule A Visit
Have questions? Call our office at 662-325-3823 or stop by 335 McCain Hall to schedule an appointment or speak with a Co-op ambassador or graduate assistant.
Tips For a Successful Semester
- Have your resume critiqued by our office in 335 McCain Hall or email it to us at coop@career.msstate.edu.
- Look under Build Career Skills for tips on networking, career fair prep, and interviewing.
- Check your email regularly for important news from the Co-op office.
- Plan to attend semester events listed below.
Semester Events
These are offered during early fall and spring semesters over one to two weeks with dates and times posted on the semester handout provided by the co-op office. Our career advisors will walk through setting up your Connections account, co-op and internship program requirements, and how to prepare for upcoming events.
This is a great opportunity to network with potential employers and learn more about the opportunities their company has to offer. This event is scheduled over three days during the fall and spring semesters and brings over 200 employers to campus.
Held during the fall and spring semester with prior interview sign-up for students. Typically, 50 – 60 employers attend this event and as many as 250 pre-screened students participate each semester. The event is popular for companies (engineering, automotive, banking, biotechnology, biomedical, government agencies, etc.) who are certain about their need for ongoing student talent and want to work directly with Co-op Program professionals to arrange the interviews they need.
Job postings and interviews are available during fall and spring semesters to employers that prefer to schedule individual campus dates. Job postings for these interviews can be found in your Connections account
Accepting an Offer?
Congratulations! Your next step will be to report your offer to the program office and set up an appointment to meet with your career advisor. During your meeting you will complete placement paperwork, discuss program policies and procedures, and review a checklist which includes registering for the co-op/internship class.
Work Semester
| Work Semester | Begin Work | End Work |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | August 15 | December 31 |
| Spring 2025 | January 2 | May 9 |
| Summer 2025 | May 12 | August 8 |
Begin Classes & Final Exams
| Semester | Begin Classes | Exams End |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | August 21 | December 12 |
| Spring 2025 | January 15 | May 6 |
| Summer 2025 | June 4 | August 5 |
*The above dates are provided as a guide for employers and students to insure compatibility with the University academic calendar.
Interested in Becoming a Co-op Ambassador?
Ambassadors promote the Cooperative Education and Internship Program across campus and serve as peer advisors to students in need of career assistance.
Ambassador applications are collected in March of each year. Interviews will be conducted in April and new ambassadors will be named before the end of the semester.
Benefits
- Help others with their job search
- Enhance your presentation skills
- Interact with potential employers
- Explore career resources
- Advise program staff on student needs
Qualifications
- Must have completed a three-term co-op or two formal internship experiences on record with our office
- Minimum 2.50 GPA
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work 12-15 hours per week