College of Engineering
Engineering Career Services
Search Close Search
Toggle Menu
Engineering Career Services

How to Register a Co-op or Internship

Congratulations!

Congratulations on your co-op or internship offer! Please complete the “Internships/Co-ops Outcome” form in CyHire, and add the appropriate ‘R’ credit course(s) to your schedule. The course(s) is pass/fail. It entails two easy but important surveys that should only take you a total of 30 minutes to complete. These surveys were developed to help ensure that you have a good work/learning experience. No tuition or fees are charged by the College of Engineering for these course(s), and full-time student status is retained.

Important Information to know before you apply

Please see the chart below for information on when your registration form is due. The due date is based on the time period when your experience will start. Graduate students: Please note that you need to work with your major department and professor to register your experience.

Registration Form Deadlines and Start Times

Semester Deadline to Complete Registration Form Deadline to Add Course
Spring January 9 January 15
Spring/Summer January 9 January 15
Summer May 31 June 8
Summer/Fall May 31 June 8
Fall August 7 August 12
Experiential Education Registration Form Deadlines and Start Times

What you will do for the course and how it benefits you

  • The course is a Satisfactory/Fail course(s) which entails two easy but important surveys that are designed to enhance your experience. They should only take you 30 minutes total to complete.
  • Enrolling in the course gives you access to resources to help you before, during, and after your experience.
  • Enrolled experiences may also count toward hours of work required for a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license
  • No tuition or fees are charged by the College of Engineering for these course(s), and full-time student status is retained.
    • International students will continue to pay health insurance fees.
    • If you are working in the Ames area and want to use the recreation facilities, you will have need to pay that fee.

Enroll in the Course and Review the Syllabus

After your registration form has been reviewed and approved by ECS, you will receive an email containing instructions on how to add the course(s) to your schedule in Workday. If the course isn’t added by the deadline, you risk not maintaining full-time student status.

Common Questions

Once you’ve secured an internship, it’s time to find somewhere to live. Be prepared to do some research and work to find a place that fits your needs. Short-term housing options vary widely depending on location.

To begin your search:

  • Check in with the hiring manager. The chances are that they have a list of housing resources and can connect you with other students who will be interning.
  • Tour before you buy. If possible, see the place (in-person or live video tour) before you sign your lease and put down a deposit.
  • Read your lease carefully. If something doesn’t seem clear or fair, be prepared to negotiate or move on to another place.
  • Several colleges and universities make dorms available in the summer for short-term rentals. ECS has compiled a list of multiple options. This list is not comprehensive, but will help you get started. The first tab is sorted by State. The second tab is places that have locations in multiple states. Please note that this is subject to change. If you come across a link that is no longer working, please email ecs@iastaste.edu.

Scholarships are usually just put on hold until the semester you return. Check with the Financial Aid Office (scholarships@iastate.edu) and/or the Scholarship coordinator in the Engineering Student Services Office (515-294-7186 or engineer@iastate.edu) for specific information.

Additional Information

Completing the Registration Form

  1. Log into CyHire and halfway down on the home page under ‘Outcomes’, choose Internships/Co-ops, then click ‘+ Report Experience’ Do not use the ‘Apply for intern course’ tab.
  2. In the popup, click on the red ‘Accepted Internship‘ button.
  3. Complete the form.  Please read the hints by each section if you are not sure what to enter.
  4. Position Description: Be sure to enter enough information so we can determine if this will constitute an engineering experience.
  5. Supervisor: This is your supervisor/mentor at the company (if you don’t know yet, enter the person you’re working to get the position.
  6. Academic Advisor: This is your academic Advisor.
  7. End Date: You MUST enter an end date. If you don’t know the exact date, please enter a general idea.
  8. Click Submit at the bottom.

  • International Students

    International Students Only: Visit with ISSO to arrange CPT for your work experience.

  • Add Emails to Address Book

    Add ecs@iastate.edu and noreply@qemailserver.com to your email address book and watch for the survey emails from these addresses. Please check your junk mail if you’re not receiving any emails. You can also refer to the assignment module in Canvas for the directions.

Other Items to Take Care of

  • If you have a college of engineering scholarship, contact the Student Services Office at engineeringscholarships@iastate.edu  or they are located at 1300 Marston Hall
    • Scholarships will never be taken away, just put on hold until you return to campus
  • If you have financial aid or other university scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Office at scholarships@iastate.edu or they are located at 0210 Beardshear Hall, 515-294-2223
    • You might not receive financial aid since you aren’t paying tuition for the intern/co-op course, however please check with Financial Aid to be certain
  • If you need to change your university housing or dining contract, contact the Department of Residence at 2419 Friley Hall, 515-294-2900, or housing@iastate.edu