Choose Ohio First

Choose Ohio First: Engineering Co-op

Engineering Co-Op Track 

In today’s competitive job market, employers and looking for experience coupled with a college education.  Co-ops allow the student to gain work experience through a relationship with the college and the employer, allowing them to explore different career opportunities.  They are able to try new areas of professional experience and develop and apply communication skills.  It is a win-win situation where both student and employer have the opportunity to determine if there is a good fit.  In addition, the student can earn money to help pay for his or her education. 

The Fenn Co-op Office will identify meaningful work experiences for the student.  If the student finds his/her own position, they must notify the Fenn Co-op Office.  The Engineering Cooperative Education Program Manager will contact the student each semester.  The student is obligated to complete all required paperwork and reports on time, and meet once a semester with his/her Faculty Mentor.  A minimum of 3 semesters of co-op experience is required to qualify as a graduate of the Engineering Cooperative Education Program.   

This Upper Division Engineering Co-Op track allows students majoring in the engineering disciplines to secure a co-op through the Washkewicz College of Engineering, Fenn Co-Op program.   The engineering disciplines are:  Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Computer Engineering. 

The Fenn Co-op program is a structured, academic program that integrates classroom studies with paid, productive real-life work experiences.  Students complete three to four semesters of co-op that often results in employment with government agencies, industrial manufacturers, consulting firms and other private engineering enterprises. 

Students receive many benefits by entering the engineering professional while still in school through a co-op program such as: 
  • Linking classroom and workplace; 
  • Peer mentoring 
  • Direct contact with engaged faculty; 
  • Co-op Scholarship opportunities; 
  • Networking opportunities with future employers; and  
  • Earning academic credit and certificate of completion upon graduation 

 

Engineering Co-op contacts, by discipline: 

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Electronic Engineering Technology 

Erin Elosh, Sr. Manager of the Fenn Co-op Program and Industry Outreach 

e.elosh@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-6968; Washkiewicz Fall 305  

 

Chemical Engineering 

Angela Benton-Smith, Coordinator for Special Programs, Diversity Initiatives 

a.bentonsmith@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-2517; Washkiewicz Hall 305 

 

Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science and Electrical Engineering 

Nicole Tischler, Coordinator of Special Academic Programs, Fenn Co-op, Senior Design 

n.tischler51@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-6970; Washkiewicz Hall 305 

 

Choose Ohio First Faculty Mentor 

Dr. Yongjian Fu, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science 

y.fu@csuohio.edu; (216) 687-5518; Fenn Hall 225