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.
73% 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 $22.62 per hour for 220 employers in 37 states as well as in Guam and Ireland. South Dakota Mines interns gained industry expertise second to none at companies such as Garmin, Google, Nevada Gold Mines, Cargill, Caterpillar, Kiewit, and Nucor.
Internships serve as an important bridge from college to career providing avenues for students to increase skills, expand networks, enhance social capital, and offer direct pathways to job offers and jobs. The National Association of Colleges and Employers' research has found that students who take part in paid internships receive more job offers and garner higher starting salaries than those who participate in unpaid internships. Therefore, 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.
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 Placement Form
Meet Our Interns!
South Dakota Mines interns have some amazing experiences. Click on a photo below to find out more.