Transition To Work

CO-OP PROGRAM STUDENTS | ENROLLMENT IN COOP 4910, 4920, and 4930

ENGINEERING INTERNSHIP STUDENTS | ENROLLMENT IN ENGR 3920 (UG), ENGR 7920 (GR)

*Enrollment must happen by the 5th class day of each semester. No retroadding will take place. If you are not enrolled for the appropriate course during your work semester, you will be dropped from the Program.

As part of the S/U Grade for each of the affiliated courses above, you will be required to complete each of the following three surveys each work term:

SURVEYS + EVALUATIONS

At various points throughout your work rotation, you will receive surveys and a link to an evaluation.

Beginning

At the beginning of your work term, you will receive a Work Information Survey to help provide our programs the most up-to-date information about your work experience. This brief survey asks for information such as city, state, and salary.

Middle

Around mid-term, you will receive a Check-In Survey. This survey is to check in on your work experience and for you to privately report any potential work issues to an Engineering Career Coach. Remember, you do not have to wait until this survey is sent to report an issue. 

End

Towards the end of each work term, you and at least one supervisor are required to complete performance evaluations on Suitable. Each semester, you will receive an email a link to the survey.

Suitable is an assessment tool that allows students to obtain feedback from multiple managers and co-workers regarding soft skill development. It was developed based on the 8 NACE Career Ready Competencies, which recruiters of college students have determined as the 8 most desired soft skills in new college graduates. Refer to this page to learn more about the Career Ready Competencies.

Here are current benefits for participating in each affiliated Program:

CO-OP STUDENT BENEFITS

• Priority registration status
• Co-op Diploma upon graduation
• Honor cord + padfolio awarded
• 1 year of relevant industry experience

INTERNSHIP STUDENT BENEFITS

• Padfolio awarded after completion of at least 2 internships
• Internship Program certificate
• Relevant industry experience

Salary: Co-op + internship positions are paid positions.

Housing: Students are responsible for their own housing costs; however, some companies may offer housing stipends or provide housing for students.

Where will I live if I go to work outside of Auburn or my hometown?

Though you are responsible for finding your own housing in a new city, there are many resources that can help you in your housing search.

Social Media:

Facebook Groups: Dive into local groups with keywords like "sublet," "roommate finder," and the city/state you're heading to. Many students and young professionals utilize these groups, offering a treasure trove of short-term options. Remember, caution is key when subletting – always research and verify before committing.

College Connections: Research colleges or universities in and around your co-op’s city. Joining their Facebook, Discord/Reddit, or other social media groups can connect you with students in similar situations looking for roommates or sublets. Shared age ranges and experiences can make for a smooth transition.

Reach Out and Explore:

HR/Recruiter Connection: Don't be shy! Reach out to your HR contact or recruiter. They might have inside information about other co-ops/interns also searching for housing. Sharing your situation and asking about their experiences can lead to valuable leads. Just remember, confidentiality might be a factor.

Networking: Tap into your personal network! Let friends and family know you'll be living in the new city. They might have connections or know individuals looking for roommates.

Exploring Options and Resources:

Airbnb: If your co-op offers a housing stipend, consider Airbnb in certain cities. Depending on your timeframe, it might even be cheaper than committing to a lease.

Professional Help: Real estate agents can help! Share your budget, desired number of rooms, and move-in timeframe, and they'll provide a curated list of options. Be prepared for a potential fee for their services.

Extended Stay Hotels: Explore extended stay hotels, which often offer kitchenette facilities and flexible rates for longer stays.

Student Housing Hubs: Check websites like dorms.com or co-living websites like CampusPads for student-specific short-term housing options.

Online Resources: Websites like ApartmentFinder (https://www.apartmentfinder.com/) and Apartments.com (https://www.apartments.com/) offer a vast selection of listings. Plus, Auburn University itself has a helpful resource for off-campus housing: https://offcampushousing.auburn.edu/.

Remember:

Start early: The sooner you begin your search, the more options you'll have.

Be flexible: Your ideal situation might not be readily available, so keep an open mind and consider different options.

Safety first: Always prioritize your safety when researching and meeting potential roommates or landlords. Trust your gut and don't hesitate to walk away if something feels off.

Meal Plans: Students can request an exemption from meal plans for each work semester through AU Access. AU Access > My Campus > Away from Campus Dining Accommodation Request. 

For additional questions, contact Dining Services at dining@auburn.edu or 334.844.8504.

Scholarship Eligibility: During a work term, scholarships are placed on hold. Please contact the University Scholarships Office to double-check eligibility requirements. For more information, please review these scholarship FAQs.

*If you currently receive Samuel Ginn College of Engineering scholarships, please contact Jessica Taylor, Director of Engineering Recruiting and Scholarships, at dewbeja@auburn.edu. 

Football Tickets: All students are still eligible to purchase football tickets during a work semester. 

Summer 2025   (12 weeks)

Report to Work     Monday, May 5

Survey 1 Due       Friday, May 30

Survey 2 Due       Friday, June 20

Suitable Due    Friday, July 25

Work Term Ends    Friday, August 1

Fall 2025 (20 weeks)

Report to Work     Monday, August 4

Survey 1 Due       Friday, August 29

Survey 2 Due       Friday, October 17

Suitable Due    Friday, December 5

Work Term Ends    Friday, December 19

Spring 2026   (20 weeks)

Report to Work     Monday, January 5

Survey 1 Due       Friday, January 30

Survey 2 Due       Friday, March 20

Suitable Due    Friday, May 1

Work Term Ends    Friday, May 22

Summer 2026   (12 weeks)

Report to Work     Monday, May 11

Survey 1 Due       Friday, May 29

Survey 2 Due       Friday, June 26

Suitable Due    Monday, August 3

Work Term Ends    Friday, August 7

Fall 2026 (20 weeks)

Report to Work     Monday, August 10

Survey 1 Due       Friday, September 4

Survey 2 Due       Friday, October 16

Suitable Due    Friday, December 4

Work Term Ends    Friday, December 18