The Office of Engineering Professional Practice is here to help you successfully find an academically relevant co-op or internship assignment. Follow the steps below for resources and tips to accelerate your future.
Before the Expo
- Set up an account with our office.
- Attend orientation with a student ambassador in our office. No appointment necessary.
- Make an appointment to meet with your Engineering Professional Practice advisor upon completion of orientation.
- Update your resume and upload it to Handshake prior to meeting with your Engineering Professional Practice advisor.
- Download the Career Fair Plus App.
- Research companies in the Career Fair Plus App and virtually drop your resumes to companies in the app.
- Practice your elevator pitch.
- Complete a mock interview with a student ambassador.
- Attend Prep for Success events.
- Obtain suitable professional attire for the Expo and Interview Days.
- Prepare your professional portfolio including 10-15 printed resumes.
On Expo Day
- Attend the Engineering Expo and check-in.
- Use the map and list of companies in the Career Fair Plus App to locate companies.
- Tip: Do not start with your dream employer. Start with a secondary company to practice your elevator pitch and work out the nerves.
- Network and convey your worth to the companies.
- Ensure the employer has your resume.
Before the Interview
- Research the company: What products or services do they provide? What is their mission? Etc.
- Write down questions to ask during your interview.
- Review typical interview questions.
On Interview Day
- Wear appropriate business professional attire.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before your interview begins.
- Check in before your interview at the same place you checked in the previous day for the Expo.
- Thank your interviewer(s) and ask for their contact information before leaving.
- Send a “Thank You” email to your interviewers.
After Receiving an Offer
- Notify us at coop@utk.edu of your offer and attach a copy of your offer letter from the company you will be working with.
- For a co-op, fill out a degree plan, then approve it with your academic advisor.
- Return the approved degree plan to coop@utk.edu or your professional practice advisor.
- Your professional practice advisor will send you a Certificate of Registration and instructions for pausing your financial aid and scholarships with One Stop Student Services.
- Adjust campus housing plans and/or campus meal plans if working away from UT.
- Be on the lookout for information from your employer about your assignment.
On Assignment
- First Day:
- Pack your lunch.
- Arrive early.
- Bring required documentation to Human Resources.
- Obtain at least one high-quality photo of yourself in your workplace.
- Watch for emails to complete your end-of-semester report.