<p>WS is part of your financial aid package. It is an award that makes you eligible to apply for a WS job and earn a set $ amount while attending school. It usually works out to maybe 10 hours a week . The job run from working in the library to research and everything in between depending on the school. You are not guarantee a job nor the $ amount. These awards are generally need base.</p>
<p>Co-op jobs are completely different. As I understand it, you will be working full time and not going to school during that time. It can be during the summer or during a semester. It should be a job in your field and will give you real job experience. I believe it is usually paid if it is part of a formal co-op program. If you mean internship then that could be different.</p>
<p>As for your questions:</p>
<p>1) Co-op. You would be working 40 hours/week. However your living expenses could eliminate the earnings. In reality if you qualify for WS you will have both. </p>
<p>2) I would say no. It should vastly improve your chances of getting a job. All depends on the co-op. Like all things, some are great resume builders while others will be less. Debt should be lower if you can save some of your income but that is no guarantee. Check the school to see what the fee are relate to co-ops. I am not sure how that works. As for the extra year, employers don’t care. They are more interested in your work experience. There is the opportunity cost for the extra year.</p>
<p>3) Since you usually are not going to school during a co-op it shouldn’t effect your schoolwork. However due to the rigid sequencing of engineering courses you will need to plan carefully to get the courses you need, If this is a formal co-op program then it should work out. The impact of WS depends on you and how flexible the job is and the number of hours. Usually it is doable for most students. If it gets too much, you can always cut your hours or quit. You are not required to use all or any of your WS.</p>
<p>4) Again imho, a co-op job should give you a serious leg up in the engineering job market if you get one that gives good work experience. WS can help a little if it is related to your field and the job you are applying for. Keep in mind that WS is maybe 150 hours/semester where co=op would be 600+ hours/semester.</p>
<p>What you need to understand is WS is FA and is generally enough to earn some spending money. If you can get work with a professor say doing research or working on a project, it might give you some work experience in your field. Co-op is meant to give you experience in your field. It might or might not pay enough to cover your expenses. If you get a job where you can share a place to live with other co-ops then you should be able to save some money. If you are the only co-op in a high cost of living area it will be tougher to save any money.</p>
<p>I will let real students discuss the schools. I would contact the engineering departments to get details of the programs and ask if it is possible to speak to someone that is in the program.</p>
<p>I have done similar type of programs with my employers. A lot of what you get out of the co-op job will depend on you. With luck and a lot of effort on your part it can be a valuable experience.</p>