W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program
Real-world experience, real career impact. The W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program bridges the classroom and the workplace through paid, full-time professional experiences that pair motivated undergraduate business students with dynamic partner companies.
"A co-op is a middle ground between a short internship and a full-time position where students pause their undergraduate education for six months and pursue a position with a company. Corporations are looking for more meaningful experiences, meaningful ways to engage with students, learn about students, and see if they want to offer a full-time position, and the co-op fills this gap."
Ohad Kadan, Charles J. Robel Dean, W. P. Carey School of Business
How it works
The W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program is an experiential learning opportunity enabling undergraduate business students to work full-time with a partner company and gain valuable experience related to their business degree over a period of six months. The program goes beyond a traditional internship by offering extended, meaningful work with real responsibilities. Participating allows students to gain insights into the business world, and companies to build long-term connections with high-potential talent.
Co-op ProcessesYour journey as a student
Students begin by exploring opportunities, applying to positions that align with their goals, and interviewing with leading companies. Once hired, you’ll step away from classes to work in a full-time professional role for six months — contributing to real projects, learning from mentors, and building your professional network.
- Apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real business challenges
- Discover what type of work, team, or industry is the right fit for you
- Build lasting relationships with mentors and industry professionals
- Gain a competitive edge for internships and full-time job offers
- Grow your confidence, skills, and sense of direction for what comes next
Your journey as an employer
The W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program connects your organization with high-performing, career-ready students for a six-month work experience that aligns with your business goals. Once you've interviewed and hired a student, you provide onboarding, mentorship, and project-based work — enabling them to contribute from day one.
- Early access to top business talent
- Fresh ideas and perspectives from students trained in the latest industry practices
- A trusted source for future interns or full-time hires
- Increased visibility and engagement with one of the nation’s top business schools
>> This is more than a short-term assignment, it’s a strategic opportunity to invest in your future workforce. Contact [email protected] to start a conversation about next steps.
Frequently asked questions
The W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program creates a win-win talent pipeline for both employers and undergraduate business students.
Co-op and internship experiences vary by duration, the nature of work involved, employer commitment, student career outcomes, and compensation.
Co-op programs
Duration
Longer engagements (about 6 months) that are often full-time, spanning one or more semesters. Students pause taking classes throughout the duration of their co-op experience.
Nature of work
Immersive, project-based roles with substantial responsibility and direct contribution to employer objectives.
Employer commitment
Higher commitment; expectation to provide structured training, mentorship, and meaningful professional experiences.
Student career outcomes
Deep, sustained professional experiences significantly enhance employability, skills, and professional networks.
Compensation
Usually paid competitively, reflecting real-world roles and responsibilities.
Internship programs
Duration
Typically shorter (8–12 weeks); generally one academic term. Students typically continue taking classes during internships, unless they occur during a scheduled break (e.g., summer).
Nature of work
Short-term projects or task-oriented work; duration of role typically only allows for strategy or application of project.
Employer commitment
Lower financial commitment, project-based training needed, building affinity in short time with firm.
Student career outcomes
Provides initial professional exposure and networking opportunities.
Compensation
Wide variety based on industry; including stipend and unpaid opportunities.
Co-op experiences for W. P. Carey undergraduates are typically six months in length, and focus on distinct areas of business, depending on the partner company.
The W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program is for current undergraduate business students from all majors. The program is designed for high-achieving incoming juniors (completed sophomore year) and seniors. A GPA of 3.5 or higher is required to be eligible.
Participating in this program can affect your graduation timeline at W. P. Carey. If you are selected for an interview, we ask that you schedule an appointment with your academic advisor to discuss. Students will also need to work with the Financial Aid Office to determine if they can defer existing financial aid packages and scholarships.
>> For detailed questions about advising or graduation timeline impact, contact [email protected]. We’re here to help you make an informed decision about your future.
Experiential learning from a co-op is one of the key ways for students to differentiate themselves when looking for employment opportunities at graduation. Students who participate in the W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program gain early access to top employers who are actively seeking to hire W. P. Carey students. You’ll develop professional advocates and mentors at top companies, as well as gain hands-on experience before you complete your degree.
Just like a real employee, you’ll also be compensated for the full-time work you complete along the way (salary determined by the partner company). The national average for co-op programs is $23 per hour.
There are a few different advantages for participating companies:
- Connect early with business students at the top of their academic program
- Develop a company ambassador for recruiting efforts
- Create a pipeline and retain top talent for future internship and full-time opportunities
Ideally, students who participate in this program will continue with the company through internship opportunities and be offered a full-time role post graduation. Companies are encouraged to explore retention avenues for their co-op students.
Take your next step
Reach out to the school to get started. We look forward to hearing from you!
Students and families
Contact [email protected] to learn more. Depending on your major and year in school, we can help identify whether the W. P. Carey Undergraduate Co-op Program is a good fit for your future.
Partner companies
Contact [email protected] to start a conversation. Creating a co-op experience for undergraduates is one of many partnership opportunities available at W. P. Carey.