← Back to context

Comment by ghostpepper

3 days ago

You can get co-op/internship that requires a Top Secret clearance?

There are co-operatives in manufacturing which would need their staff to be security-cleared in order to win government contacts (such as assembling weapons). Perhaps this is what parent is referring to. Co-ops aren't just for groceries :)

  • In the Canadian university lingo, co-op refers to a (usually paid) internship that you complete as part of your degree. You usually have a couple co-op terms/semesters along with your traditional terms. For example, you may start your degree with two semesters of classes, then a semester of co-op, then one of classes, then another two co-ops, more classes, etc. until you complete the degree requirements. Degrees with a co-op requirement usually will make mention of it (e.g. Software Engineering with co-op).

    • Oh, that's really interesting. We have them in the UK too, but they're called placements rather than co-ops.

Yep. I worked on the control system for the Virginia class attack sub-marines for my co-op. Also got to ride around in a Seawolf class submarine.

  • That's pretty cool. I'm guessing you're American, not Canadian, right? I didn't realize American schools had co-ops; I thought they mostly/solely had internships.