Cooperative Education (Co-Op) internships create educational partnerships among Montana State University Billings,

the business community, and students.

This unique academic program allows students to earn academic credit, and often a wage, while combining classroom learning with practical work experience.

Process Internship Course Numbers

Credit Hours

1 credit = 45 hours of work2 credits = 90 hours of work 3 credits = 135 hours of work

PPT 296 3 Credits

PWRP 296 2 Credits

The internship is a restricted-entry course. Co-Op Ed will register you for the course and mandatory seminar when all necessary and completed

paperwork is submitted to Co-Op Ed in Jacket Student Central or LI 100.

Getting Started:▪ Register with CareerLink at www.myinterfase.com/msubillings/student/.

▪ If you are registered in CareerLink, please edit your profile and be sure the “Miscellaneous Information” section is completed.

▪ Upload your résumé in CareerLink (to be critiqued by Career Services staff and then corrected).

▪ Set up an initial appointment with Mandy, Co-Op Ed Specialist.

▪ For your initial appointment, bring a list of internships you are interested in pursuing from www.msubillings.edu/cooped/ or bring in your own list of possible sites.

▪ Contact Mandy Brottem, Cooperative Education Specialist, at 406.657.1717 or mbrottem@msubillings.edu with internship questions.

▪ Contact Leslie Olson, Office Manager, 406.657.2168 or leslie.olson@msubillings.edu with CareerLink questions.

Securing an Internship:• Contact potential sites to set up interviews. You are

responsible for pursuing internship leads.

Getting Registered:• Contact Richard Wilson or Bob Good for specific academic

requirements. They will act as a mentor/supervisor throughout the Co-Op experience.

• Complete Learning Outcomes and upload into CareerLink.

• If you develop your own internship, you must include your job description (Faculty supervisor must approve the position description.)

• Complete the Learning Agreement, with signatures of employer, faculty, department chair, and Co-Op Ed. All areas must be completed!

*Download forms from the Career Services & Co-Op Ed web site.www.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm

Previous Internship Sites:▪ Conoco Phillips▪ ExxonMobil▪ City of Billings▪ Western Emulsions▪ PPL Montana▪ Rosebud Power Plant

The following must be completed prior to registration:

▪ Register in CareerLink▪ Upload critiqued résumé into CareerLink▪ Upload Learning Outcomes into CareerLink

www.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm▪ Upload job description into CareerLink (if not obtained

through Co-Op)▪ Submit a complete Learning Agreement

www.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm

The last day to register for your internship is the “Last Day for Registering/Adding

Classes” as determined by the University Calendar. Please plan accordingly.

PPT 296 and PWPR 296, provides university credit for a sophomore experience in the area of

Process and Power Plant Technology, supervised by faculty.  Learning Outcomes, and Learning

Agreement must be completed and submitted prior to registration.

Student Requirements

Your final portfolio will be given to your faculty supervisor at the end of your internship.

It should include the following elements:• Timesheet/Work Log (signed by site supervisor)• Evaluation Forms• Summary Paper (2 pages)

• If a student completes a 2 week shadow then reflective summary paper must be at minimum 10 pages.

Just the Basics…▪ Dress professionally.

▪ Be on time.

▪ Be prepared.

▪ Practice good hygiene and good office etiquette.

▪ Résumé, cover letter, and thank you note are key to securing an internship. 

▪ The last day to register for your internship is the “Last Day for Registering/Adding Classes” as determined by the University Calendar.

▪ Internship site must be confirmed and documentation must be completed prior to registration.

▪ Internship postings are available online, but you are free to develop your own.

▪ Keep in mind that applying for an internship is similar to applying for a job.

CareerLinkwww.myinterfase.com/msubillings/student/

Learning Outcomes www.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm

Co-Op Ed Learning Agreementwww.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm

PPT and PWPR Time Logwww.msubillings.edu/careers/cooped/studforms.htm

The last day to register for your internship is the “Last Day for Registering/Adding

Classes” as determined by the University Calendar. Please plan accordingly.

Contact Mandy Brottemat

406.657.1717 or

mbrottem@msubillings.edu