Co-op and Internships Program

This is an in-class course that prepares chemistry and biochemistry students to secure internships or co-op positions through structured career development and applied job-search training. Students engage in self-assessment and career exploration to clarify goals and identify opportunities aligned with their interests. The course guides students in developing professional materials, including tailored resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles. Through workshops and experiential activities, students practice networking, conduct informational interviews, utilize job-search platforms, and strengthen interviewing skills using the STAR method. Additional topics include offer evaluation, professional communication, and workplace readiness. By the end of the course, students will have a polished professional portfolio and a strategic plan to pursue career opportunities in their field of chemistry and biochemistry.

This cooperative education course, held at industry employers, enables students to apply principles of chemistry and biochemistry in a professional workplace setting. Under the supervision of an industry mentor, students complete structured work assignments that involve analyzing and addressing real-world technical challenges while developing technical, organizational, and communication skills. Students receive formal performance evaluations and gain insight into professional expectations and workplace culture. To document their applied learning, students submit a technical report and/or deliver a formal presentation reflecting on their experience and contributions.