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Case Western Reserve University
Early Industrial Experience Program (EIE)
A Guide for Employers
Welcome
Case Western Reserve University invites you to participate in our pioneering new Early Industrial Experience Program (EIE) for first-year students. For decades, our rich history in cooperative education, close partnerships with employers, and our talented and motivated students have made the Case co-op program a benefit for all who participate. Now we extend this invaluable opportunity to the next generation of up-and-coming engineers so they can start sooner, learn better, and discover new career avenues before they choose their final course of study.
Overview
EIE is an 11-week co-op placement during the summer between students’ freshman and sophomore years. Arrangements have been made for students to live on campus where they will have access to program support staff and faculty. In addition, they will learn more about living and working in Northeast Ohio through their placements and planned group activities.
Benefits of Participating
Case is a nationally renowned research university and a leader in providing experiential education, blending co-op, research and on-location opportunities with world-class curriculum. There are numerous benefits that come with starting the cooperative education process sooner.
- The EIE program sends stronger and more focused candidates into later co-op experiences, allowing employers to groom talent for multiple years with longer-term and in-depth projects.
- EIE also allows current employees to take on a mentoring role, reviewing the basics that often get lost in day-to-day job processes.
- EIE is an excellent way of getting talented young students excited about less traditional/niche engineering careers before they select a major.
- EIE provides a comprehensive learning opportunity, giving students a chance to integrate their classroom and professional experience.
Student/Employer Support
As part of the program, students will have the option of living in residence halls on campus for the summer, thus alleviating any concerns employers might have about relocation. This proximity also allows us to turn our EIE class into a learning community where students can share their experiences and turn to their colleagues, faculty, or program staff for additional support.
The Case EIE Program is also a partnership. The co-op staff is committed to making the EIE assignment a rich, integrated learning experience for both the employer and student. We offer our corporate partners tailored customer service, support materials and education resources.
The EIE Experience
Cooperative education is an extension of the classroom – a learning experience designed to integrate classroom theory with practical experience and professional development. Unlike the more extensive 7-month co-op placements Case typically offers to more advanced undergraduates during the academic year, the EIE program will offer a more intensive experience to students at an earlier stage of their baccalaureate program: a single 11-week placement during the summer between their freshman and sophomore years.
The EIE program capitalizes on – and will significantly enhance – Case’s award-winning cooperative education program. EIE is full-time, paid work that maximizes student education with practical career experience. This program not only prepares students for more meaningful co-op experiences, but also allows them to develop the higher levels of professionalism and skill necessary to start their careers off on the right foot.
The Case co-op staff will work with prospective employers in designing EIE jobs, matching appropriate students, arranging interviews, visiting students on the job, and helping with student evaluations. At the end of the EIE term, students are required to complete a written report which is reviewed by the co-op staff and faculty in their respective departments.
EIE is a paid work experience for students. While average student compensation for a summer program is $10-15 an hour, or around $400 a week, we recognize that this may vary by employer.
Where EIE Fits in Your Organization
- Engineering support
- Project support
- Technician roles
- Metrics gathering
- Data analysis
- Vendor certification
- Programming
Benefits for Employers
- Utilize young talent and energy; exposure to new ideas
- Meet, train and assess your potential future co-ops earlier
- Introduce students to underexposed but key fields where new talent is needed
- Encourage employees in mentoring roles to use the fresh perspective of the student to revisit, rethink, and improve basic fundamental processes
- Provide key management/learning experience for co-ops through mentoring EIE students
- Develop a partnership with Case
Benefits for Students
- Begin to understand engineering concepts in practical applications
- Enhance education; learn about the world of engineering
- Begin to clarify academic goals; develop direction early in undergraduate experience
- Learn how to interact with professionals; refine interpersonal skills
- Paid work experience
Benefits for the Community
- Students with enriching professional experiences in Northeast Ohio may elect to stay
- Infusion of talent and energy into engineering fields key for regional economic growth
- Northeast Ohio companies have first choice of the best and brightest upcoming engineers
- Students proactively involved in the community early in their undergraduate experience
The Case Student
Case students are exceptional. Sixty-six percent of entering freshmen rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class. Students come to Case because they love a challenge. Our engineering programs are nationally ranked. Each year, more than 220 students participate in the Case’s award-winning Cooperative Education Program and many express the desire to get professional experience earlier.
We take cooperative education seriously, providing a rigorous training program, monitoring student performances, and following up with employer feedback.
- First, the co-op staff screens all prospective EIE students. We certify that each student has full-time student status, is eligible to work in the U.S., has the approval of their department, and meets specific academic requirements.
- Next, the students are required to attend training sessions on professional skills. The staff also guides the candidate through resume preparation and interview training, while conducting in-depth discussions with each student to explore their acquired skills and natural talents that will help them achieve personal objectives and employer expectations.
- Then, the students participate in EIE, working full time for 11 weeks. Students bring a fresh perspective to the workplace while gaining valuable insights into the company, engineering as a profession, and the career opportunities ultimately available to them.
- Finally, we carefully monitor student performance to assure a successful partnership. We review student evaluations and corporate feedback. The students conclude their EIE experience with a written report and a final presentation, which is reviewed by the co-op staff and relevant faculty.
Students participating in EIE will focus on the following areas:
Industry Clusters
- Chemical Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Metallurgy
- Macromolecular/Polymer Science
- Systems and Control
Get Involved:
- Call the office at 216-368-5119 for a personal conversation on how you can become an EIE partner and work with our talented students. The staff can arrange for you to visit the campus and discuss the program. The co-op staff or members of the faculty are available to visit your company and assess how you can best utilize EIE students.
- Identify the academic areas that will best meet the requirements of the EIE position. Prepare a job description that describes a challenging and progressive learning experience. Submit it to our office for review and approval.
- You will receive resumes early in the spring semester. Select the students you are most interested in and schedule interviews.
- Employers may conduct an interview either on campus or on site at your company. The co-op staff will assist approved companies in coordinating interviews.
- Notify us of your new hires and enjoy a close partnership with the Case Cooperative Education Program.
Contact Information
- Case Western Reserve University
- Cooperative Education Program
- Office of Engineering Student Programs
- 10900 Euclid Avenue
- Nord Hall, Room 304
- Cleveland, OH 44106-7240
- Phone 216-368-5119
- Fax 216-368-0327
The Case Western Reserve University Cooperative Education Program is accredited by Accreditation Council for Cooperative Education.
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