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"By successfully integrating cooperative education/internship into our academic programs, we develop engineers and scientists who are among the most highly-recruited in the country."

Dr. Graham Spanier
President
The Pennsylvania State University.

P3—Professional Practice Program

The Professional Practice Program is a series of seminars designed exclusively for participants in the Engineering Cooperative Education & Professional Internship Program. The program began in 2004 as a response to requests by students, faculty, staff, alumni, and employers who recognized the value of workforce skills beyond traditional academic instruction. P3 seminars are offered in both technical and non-technical areas, and may be taught by either Penn State faculty or industry representatives.


The following list of courses reflects P3 options that have previously been available during fall and spring semesters at the University Park campus. Please note that not all courses are available at any given time, and course offerings are subject to change each semester. Information about specific P3 offerings each semester will be available on our eCareer job search system and on our calendar, and will be sent to Co-op & Internship Program participants by e-mail.

New course suggestions are always welcome! If you have an idea for a new topic, or if you are a faculty member or industry representative who is interested in offering a P3 seminar to co-op and internship participants, please contact Rick McClintic, Director.



Non-Technical Courses

Business Ethics

Recognize the ethical decision-making process in any workplace situation to achieve personal and professional success.

Business Etiquette

Etiquette guidelines for entering today's workforce, including a review of professional manners for many work-related situations.

Career Fair Preparation

Learn how to prepare for any career fair by learning the right way to approach employers, ask for interviews, and get the job you want!

Dining Etiquette

Learn how to distinguish between a salad fork and a dinner fork while engaging in both casual and professional dinner conversations.

Interview Skills

Learn how to ace an on-campus, on-site, or telephone interview with poise and professionalism. One-on-one mock interviews are also available through the Co-op & Internship Program.

Leadership Skills

Discover your potential to be a leader in today's engineering workforce.

Networking Skills

Become an expert in the art of networking through career fairs, company information sessions, and other recruiting events.

Presentation Skills

Master the art of a professional presentation by tailoring your verbal and nonverbal communication skills.

Presenting a Professional Image

Good first impressions make all the difference! Learn how to dress for the job that you want and much more!

Project Management Skills

Perfect the art of being a successful project manager by learning how to assess multiple projects, budgets, and timelines on the job.

Résumé Writing Skills

Refine your résumé so that it makes you the front-runner for an in-person interview.

Transition From School to Work

Transition from an educational environment to a workplace environment with ease and professionalism.

Understanding Business Culture

Recognize how the business world works and how to deal with specific business culture situations.

Technical Courses

AUTOCAD

Learn how to utilize AUTOCAD software for 2D drafting, detailing, design documentation, and basic 3D design.

Java

Introduce yourself to the Java language and every aspect of the development of Java applets.

LabView (sponsored by National Instruments)

Learn this graphical programming development environment (based on the G programming language) for data acquisition and control, data analysis, and data presentation.

Mathematica

Learn how to use Mathematica software to solve numerical and symbolic computations for use in graphic applications.

MatLab

Acquaint yourself with MatLab for use in scientific and engineering numeric computation by combining numerical analysis, matrix computation, and 2D and 3D graphics.

Microsoft Access

Introduce yourself to MS Access, a powerful program for creating and tracking databases, collecting information, and compiling it into reports and statistics.

Minitab

Learn how to use Minitab, the software that is used for Six Sigma and other quality improvement projects, from statistical process control to design of experiments.

Six Sigma/Lean Manufacturing

Master Six Sigma, the applied process improvement program for operational and technical professionals. Learn how to apply the process improvement methodology: define, measure, analyze, improve, and control.

Technical Writing

Learn how to present your research and work findings in the most concise and user-friendly manner through the refinement of your writing skills.


Additional Courses Offered

EE 305 Fundamentals of Circuits and Devices for Non-Electrical Engineering Students

Any student who is enrolled in a co-op or internship (ENGR x95) course may take EE 305 via distance education for three credits. The objective of this course is to introduce non-electrical engineering students to core topics in electrical engineering. Electrical components, circuits and devices are presented. The material will also cover topics found on the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.

English 202C(P) Technical Writing Credit by Portfolio

English 202C(P) is an alternative for Engineering Co-op/Professional Internship students to receive full academic credit for the required English 202C (Technical Writing) course by submitting a portfolio of technical writing samples created over the course of their co-op or multiple internship experiences. Students submit a completed portfolio at the end of their third registered co-op/or third registered internship rotation.