What is the PSU/PDX Cooperative Education Program?
The PSU/PDX Cooperative Education Program (PCEP) is a two year cooperative educational program in which Computer Science students work 20 hours per week at one of our local PCEP Partner companies in a series of defined internship roles, while concurrently taking eight credits each term on-campus at PSU. Pay begins at $15 an hour with semi-annual raises, and the student will earn 4 credits in CS409 (CS Practicum) over the two year experience. New internship cycles start approximately every six months (January and June), and interns must work at two or more PCEP companies in at least three different roles during the 24 month program.
Why Should I Care?
The PCEP co-op will give you real life experience in several different roles (software development, quality assurance and operations support, among others) at two or more different local software companies, while allowing you take eight credits of coursework each term on campus. Not only will you gain technical experience, you'll also learn how to work in a professional environment as part of a team developing commercial software for a global customer base, while simultaneously building your professional network. A PCEP co-op will jumpstart your career as a software professional.
Who Qualifies?
Any student admitted to the B.S. Computer Science degree program or the Computer Science Minor program at Portland State University, who will have completed CS163, CS201, CS202 and CS300 (or equivalents), with grades of B or better, by the time their co-op begins may apply. In addition, applicants must be over 18, and have the permanent right to work in the United States (some positions require U.S. citizenship).
What Are the Important Dates I Should Know About?
- April 24, 2013: Orientation Session in FAB 86-01 (in the basement of the Fourth Avenue Building) at 6PM.
- May 10, 2013: Applications due.
- May 17, 2013: PCEP Finalists invited to the Rush.
- May 24, 2013: The PCEP "Rush" - a day of interviews for each finalist!
- May 31, 2013: Offers are made.
- June 4, 2013: Deadline for Offer Acceptance.
- July 1, 2013: New interns begin work.
Who Are the PCEP Companies?
The PCEP companies are among some of the most exciting software companies in the
Portland Metro area. Their markets range from computer security and web analytics to
healthcare and social media solutions, as well as everything in between.
The PCEP companies are located in downtown Portland, so students have easy walking and
public transportation options for getting back and forth between work and school.
In becoming a PCEP Partner, each company has acknowledged the student's
educational goals are primary - they have agreed the internship program
must augment, not conflict, with the educational goals of the student.
This results in internships that are not only valuable to the company,
but are also genuine educational experiences for the student.
Next Steps!
If you meet the PCEP qualifications, apply today! You can find the application at http://web.cecs.pdx.edu/~pcep/Application.pdf.