Student Jobs and Co-ops
Through cooperative education (co-ops) and internships, South Dakota Mines students have many opportunities to apply their education to "real world" work experiences. Students are employed by industry and government agencies in positions related to mechanical
engineering. Students may gain 1-3 hours of academic credit for their co-op or internship experience upon department approval. Students registered for co-op courses keep their full-time student status during the semester they are on co-op. All Mines
students are encouraged to have relevant work or research experience prior to graduation. Co-ops are often 6-8 months (semester + summer). Internships are usually for the summer or part-time during the school year. However, the terms are used interchangeably
by employers.
On average, 75% of South Dakota Mines graduates have relevant
work experience upon graduation
The average co-op/intern salary for the past academic year was $17.16/hr
*Some employers also provide housing allowances, bonuses, and relocation expenses that are not reflected above.
Your co-op experience must be full-time employment and a full semester in length (spring or fall). Summer internships can qualify, but they are limited to a maximum of two (2) credits. An entire explanation of the co-op and internship process can be found
here. Students must read through this guide prior to enrolling in any co-op course. Three credits of
co-op can be used to satisfy one of your required three credit ME senior electives.
For questions regarding co-op opportunities within the mechanical engineering department, please contact our co-op advisor, Dr. Joseph Thalakkottor.
Contact
Dr. Joseph John Thalakkottor
(605) 394-2434
Joseph.JohnThalakkottor@sdsmt.edu
Co-op and Internship Resources
Opportunities for Undergraduate Students
The ME department currently has opportunities for work-study positions, recruiting stipends, and undergraduate research. For more information, please contact
mechanical.engineering@sdsmt.edu.
Opportunities for Graduate Students
The ME department currently has graduate assistantships available for MS and PhD students. Please contact your advisor for more details.