Internships and Co-ops

At South Dakota Mines, learning goes beyond the classroom. Hands-on experience is the hallmark of a Hardrocker education, and our internship and co-op program connects students with leading employers across the nation.

Last year, 73% of graduates gained paid, real-world experience—earning an average of $22.62 per hour with 220 employers in 37 states and abroad. These opportunities help students build skills, expand networks, and often lead directly to full-time job offers.

Through internships, co-ops, and research, Mines students apply classroom knowledge to real challenges at companies like Garmin, Google, Caterpillar, and Nucor—gaining the expertise and confidence that make them among the most sought-after graduates in the country. Career Services at South Dakota Mines advocates for all students to receive paid internship and co-op opportunities in alignment with NACE's position statement on unpaid internships.