Internships and Co-ops

The hallmark of a Hardrocker education is our hands-on experience. The real-world happens beyond the classroom. So should your education.

The South Dakota Mines internship program is second to none. Internships and co-ops provide unmatched opportunities for students to apply classroom learning to real-world careers. Internships are usually for the summer or part time during the year. Co-ops are often 6-8 months, but vary with employers.

77% of last year's graduates had relevant work experience through paid internships, co-ops or research. South Dakota Mines students this year are doing paid internships, co-ops or research averaging $20 per hour for 153 employers in 35 states. South Dakota Mines interns gained industry expertise second to none at companies such as Garmin, Google, Barrick Gold, Cargill, Caterpillar, Kiewit and Nucor.

Internship/Co-op Resources:

Co-op Academic Credit Co-op Coordinators Co-op Checklist Co-op Student Report Format Co-op Employer Evaluation Internship/Co-op Brochure Internship/Co-op Placement Form

Effect of Co-op/Intern Experience on Average Salary Offers AcYr 20

Meet Our Interns!

South Dakota Mines interns have some amazing experiences. Click on a photo below to find out more.

Internship Search - Online Resources:

STUDENT
INTERNSHIPS

PERCENT

153

EMPLOYERS

STATES

$20.00

PER HOUR

Data based on most recently
completed academic year

Meet Dakotah Rusley

Testimonial Rusley

Dakotah Rusley knows a thing or two about the value of a South Dakota School of Mines & Technology education. The 23-year-old Computer Engineering major landed a student internship with the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in January 2017. Even before he completed the internship, NASA had already offered Rusley a full-time position at the Flight Center upon his graduation from Mines in December 2018. Rusley joins NASA with a starting job salary package of well over $60,000. "This school gave me the means to do what I want career-wise for a reasonable price" Rusley says. To read more about Rusley's experience, click here.