Career Resource Center

Office of Career Services

150 W. University Blvd.
Keuper Building, Rm 210
Melbourne, FL 32901
Phone: (321) 674-8102
Fax: (321) 674-8065
Email: dgaynor@fit.edu
Dona Gaynor, Director

An internship is a major-related work experience that usually lasts one semester, may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time, and may or may not be for credit. A summer job, volunteer, or community service position that is related to your major could also be considered an internship. The key in any internship is gaining experience that is related to your major.

At Florida Tech, students can gain academic credit for their internship experiences, providing they meet the requirements of either the co-op program or of their academic internship program. You should check with your academic program first to see whether an internship is required or if an internship course for credit is offered. If not, students who need academic credit or desire to receive credit for their experience may be able to register for co-op credit through the Career Services Office. See the information listed below about the co-op program to determine whether you are eligible.

Students are encouraged to register with Career Services to get assistance with their internship job search where they will be eligible for resume referrals and email notifications of opportunities. Additional resources are also available online and in the Career Services Office. Students may also schedule an appointment with a counselor to discuss the options available and to receive assistance with resumes, cover letters, or any aspect of the job search.

NOTE:  Be sure to indicate on your profile that you are looking for an internship or co-op position. Also, update your College Central Network profile and resume every semester.

Co-ops are typically multi-term, paid work experiences where a student works at least two semesters for the same employer and receives academic credit for that experience. At Florida Tech, students can participate in the alternating plan where periods of full-time work are alternated with periods of full-time study; the parallel plan where students work part-time in an approved position while enrolled as a student. In addition, students can receive co-op credit for approved one term work experiences or for back-to-back work terms if this arrangement is requested by the employer and works out best for the students schedule. 

Requirements for the Florida Tech Co-op Program:

• Currently enrolled as a full-time degree-seeking student;
• Maintain a 2.5/4.0 grade point average 

     NOTE: Employers may require higher grade point averages

• Have earned 24 credit hours towards the academic major at the time of application or, if a transfer student, completed one full-time term at Florida Tech;
• Have at least one semester remaining before graduation;
• Receive approval from the Career Services Office and the academic department and the International Students & Scholar Services Office if the applicant is an international student;
• Adhere to all requirements furnished by each employer including, but not limited to, major, degree level, work authorization status, and work term agreements.

To apply for the co-op program, students must register with Career Services on College Central Network and then schedule an appointment with a counselor to complete the necessary paperwork.  

NOTE:  Be sure to indicate on your profile that you are looking for a co-op or internship position.  Also, update your College Central Network profile and resume every semester.

International students are frequently interested in gaining practical work experience before they graduate but there are many regulations and requirements that need to be met before considering an internship or co-op. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows an international student to work in a job that is an integral part of an established curriculum for which academic credit is awarded. The employment must be an important component of the student's academic program. For specific information on regulations for international students please contact the Office of International Student and Scholar Services located in Room 211, Keuper Administration Building or call 321-674-8053.

Once an international student has established that CPT is an option for them to consider, they can apply to the co-op program provided they meet all the requirements. Applying to the co-op program will not guarantee that an internship will be secured.

For more information or to schedule an appointment contact the Career Services Office located in Room 210, Keuper Administration Building or call 321-674-8102.