Both internships and co-op positions are excellent opportunities to gain essential workplace experience prior to job searching. 

Dr. Phil Gardner, Director of Michigan State University’s Collegiate Employment Research Institute, reports in 2007-2008 Recruiting Trends  that as far as employers are concerned, “students should have at least one internship or co-op,” but 50% of employers “believe students should have at least two experiences, and 10% of employers indicated they would like three.”

The National Association of Colleges and Engineers reports that relevant work experience—in the form of internships or co-ops—ranks higher on employers’ priorities than GPA!