Frequently Asked Questions

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION is…

…a program that complements classroom study with career-related work experiences. Co-op work experiences are paid, full-time, six month positions related to your academic and career interests. Co-op is an optional and, in most cases, non-credit program.

Central's program, the largest in Connecticut and one of the largest in New England, alternates on-campus study with six month periods of paid Co-op employment. Thus, you apply textbook learning to on-the-job training. The money earned, at salaries similar to those earned by regular full-time employees, can help to finance your education.

As a Co-op student, you'll be assigned a Cooperative Education Coordinator who will guide your career development at Central and develop Co-op jobs that will provide beneficial work experience. And, you'll learn skills that make the difference in today's job market: resume writing, interviewing techniques, and job seeking strategies.

If you wish, you may go through the work/study cycle up to four times. As you advance in your studies, your Co-op jobs will require a higher skill level and include more responsibility.

Through the Co-op program, you can graduate with up to two years of solid experience in your field, and perhaps even a job offer.  Upon graduation, many of Central's Co-op students are offered permanent positions with their Co-op employers. And nationwide, graduates of Co-op programs often start at higher salaries and are promoted faster than other employees. For students unsure about a career, Co-op is a no-risk way to test your options. For those sure of their goals, Co-op provides a direct route from campus to career.

HOW CO-OP WORKS

• Co-op work blocks run from January through June (Group A) and from July through December (Group B).

• You may participate in one, two, three or up to four Co-op blocks.

• You may begin your first Co-op work experience as early as the summer following your first year at CCSU.

• You must enroll in the Career Development Seminar during the semester prior to your first work experience.

• You may choose to take up to six credits while on a Co-op work block.

ENROLLING IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM
The first step toward becoming a Co-op Student is to ORIENT YOURSELF!   Then you will meet with your Coordinator to get your questions answered and to formally enroll in the Co-op program.

YOU MUST COMPLETE YOUR CO-OP APPLICATION AT LEAST ONE SEMESTER PRIOR TO YOUR FIRST WORK BLOCK
Students planning to work January - June should apply by the end of August. Students planning to work July - December should apply by the end of December. Applying at least one semester in advance of your work block ensures: 1) your place in the program; 2) that the Co-op staff will have sufficient time to develop appropriate Co-op positions; 3) that you complete the Career Development Seminar prior to your first work experience.

THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR
During the semester immediately preceding your first work block, you will take a one credit Career Development Seminar taught by the Co-op staff. Students say the class is one of the most valuable they take at CCSU.

The seminar is designed to teach you life-long career skills. You will learn to write your resume, interview effectively, make career decisions, explore occupations, and discover where the jobs are in your field.

FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS

WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR CO-OP AND IS THERE ANY COST?   
WHEN DO I ENROLL IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM? 
DO I HAVE TO LIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY DURING MY CO-OP WORK BLOCK?
DO I RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR CO-OP?
WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE? 
DO I HAVE TO MAJOR IN A CERTAIN ACADEMIC AREA? 
WHERE ARE CO-OP JOBS LOCATED? 
WHAT IS MY STUDENT STATUS WHILE ON CO-OP? 
WHAT DO CO-OP JOBS PAY? 
MAY I TAKE CLASSES WHILE ON CO-OP? 
WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BEING PLACED? 
WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?

WHO’S ELIGIBLE FOR CO-OP AND IS THERE ANY COST?
The Co-op program is available to all CCSU full- and part-time matriculated students in good academic standing who have completed their first year of study. Currently, it costs $200.00 to be enrolled in the Co-op program and another $200.00 if you accept a Co-op job.

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WHEN DO I ENROLL IN THE CO-OP PROGRAM?
You may enroll in Co-op anytime after completing your first year of study and before beginning your last semester at CCSU.  Remember, you must enroll one full semester prior to the semester in which you plan to work.  You may build as many as four work blocks into your academic program prior to graduation. Transfer students must complete one semester of study at CCSU before their first work block.

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DO I HAVE TO LIVE AT THE UNIVERSITY DURING MY CO-OP WORK BLOCK?
No. You may live on or off campus. Or you might consider taking a position near your home town and living at home during your Co-op work block.

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DO I RECEIVE ACADEMIC CREDIT FOR CO-OP?
Credit is not awarded directly for participation in Co-op.  However, in some areas, most notably Technology and Computer Science, internship credit may be available based upon your Co-op work experience and the approval of the department chair.

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WHAT KIND OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE?
Co-op jobs are developed which reflect the level of academic preparation and previous experience of the students who may apply for them. That is, entry level jobs for sophomores and more advanced jobs for seniors. New jobs developed also represent the diversity of the academic majors of students participating in the program.

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DO I HAVE TO MAJOR IN A CERTAIN ACADEMIC AREA?
No. Students in Business, Technology, Communication, Information Technology, Behavioral Science, and Natural Science are especially well served, but students in all disciplines benefit greatly from Co-op.

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WHERE ARE CO-OP JOBS LOCATED?
Almost all Co-op jobs are located in Connecticut and over half are located within 30 miles of CCSU.  Some out-of-state placements are available.

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WHAT IS MY STUDENT STATUS WHILE ON CO-OP?
During work blocks, if you were a full-time student at CCSU the semester prior to your work block, you will be considered full-time during your work block. Part-time students retain their part-time status during a work block.

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WHAT DO CO-OP JOBS PAY?
Most Co-op jobs pay between $8.00 and $22.00 per hour depending on the type of work and the employing organization. The average salary for all jobs is $13.00 - $14.00 per hour. Rates of pay reflect typical entry-level salaries for the various career fields. Almost all Co-op positions are full-time and require you to work 35-40 hours per week.

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MAY I TAKE CLASSES WHILE ON CO-OP?
Yes.  If you wish, you may take up to six credits concurrently with your Co-op work experience.

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WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BEING PLACED?
Excellent! However, we cannot guarantee placement. Each semester a small percentage of our students do not get placed, usually due to circumstances unique to a particular student or a particular segment of the job market.

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WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR MORE INFORMATION?
Call the main number for the Office of Career Services & Cooperative Education (860-832-1630) or contact any member of the Co-op Staff directly.