AEP was under a hiring freeze. I was lucky to recieve a position after being a co-op for two summers. They only hired co-ops at that time. Right now they hire a lot of employees through first time interviews or through our close friend EASi engineering. A good way to get your foot in the door. As a co-op I signed up through my university. I recieved an interview to become a co-op student. When I recieved a job offer there was an interview but it was prefunctory and with the co-op lady. My supervisor just read my resume and said he wanted me; there was no interview with him. After the co-op interview to be hired full time they "hire" you and then work on finding you a position and you give them options of where you would like to work. It really pays to be a co-op.