CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER

1. CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER CO-OP/internship ONLINE INFORMATION NOTE: This information serves as a resource. Students are still required to attend the Co-op orientation at the CDC.

2. WHAT IS a CO-OP/internship? Cooperative Education (Co-op)/Internship provides a mutually beneficial relationship among an organization, an educational institution, and a student. In this relationship, students combine academic study with periods of career-related, paid work experience in business, government, or not-for-profit agencies under the supervision of the employer.

3. Why Participate in the Co-op/internship Program ? • Apply classroom knowledge and gain valuable work experience • Earn elective credit toward your degree • Great resume material • Build your professional network and gain the competitive edge. Experience matters! • Earn money for college expenses

4. BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM • Gives official transcript recognition • Provides access to state-of-the art techniques and equipment • Applies classroom theory to a realist work setting • Clarifies career goals • Develops professional relationships • Prepares students for full-time employment upon graduation

5. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CO-OP AND INTERNSHIP Co-op Internships • PAY!!! Co-op is always paid • Co-op requires at least two semesters • Co-op is longer in time which provides students with more training experience • Internships can be paid or unpaid • Internships require one semester • Students enrolledin any school/college other than the School of Business can receive transcript recognition through our office, but must gain course credit through their respective departments

6. TYPES OF CO-OP Alternating Parallel • Students work full-time every other semester, alternating between full-time work assignments and full-time enrollment in school • Students work part-time year round while attending school full-time NOTE: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is available for International Students

7. PARTICIPATION CRITERIA Co-op • Companies and positions must be approved by the CDC • Positions must be paid and in the major field of study or career path • Employer must be willing to retain student for at least two semesters • Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 for undergraduate level and 3.0 for graduate level • Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours completed to be eligible

8. PARTICIPATION CRITERIA Internship • Companies and positions must be approved by the CDC • Positions can be paid or unpaid in the major field of study or career path • Employer must be willing to retain student for at least one semester • Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 for undergraduate level and 3.0 for graduate level • Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours completed to be eligible

9. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS • Allowed to do either Co-op and Internship • Must have eligibility letter from International Student Services (ISS) • Must be in the country for 9 months or 2 terms • Allowed to do only one semester of Co-op

10. How Do I Participate in Co-op? • Register with the Career Development Center’s (CDC) Cougar Jobline • Schedule an appointment for a resume critique with the CDC @ (618) 650-3708 • RSVP online for Co-op Orientation through your student profile • Go to Cougar Jobline to view jobs • Contact CDC to be referred for a job • Interview with employers (interviews are very competitive)

11. How Do I Participate in internships? • Register with the Career Development Center’s (CDC) Cougar Jobline • Schedule an appointment for a resume critique with the CDC @ (618) 650-3708 • RSVP online for Co-op Orientation through your student profile • Go to Cougar Jobline to view internships • Apply for internships directly to company • Interview with employers (interviews are very competitive)