|
Cooperative Education is an academic program which
integrates classroom study with career-related work experiences. Co-op
work experiences are paid, full-time, six-month positions related to
academic and career interests. Co-op is an optional and, in most cases,
non-credit program.
CCSU’s program, the largest in Connecticut and one of the largest in New
England, combines five months of on-campus study with six months of paid
Co-op employment. Thus, students apply textbook learning to on-the-job
training. The money earned often helps students finance their University
education.
Co-op students are assigned to a Cooperative Education coordinator who
guides their career development and develops appropriate Co-op
placements. In the Co-op Career Development Seminar students receive
instruction in skills that make the difference in today’s job market:
résumé writing, interviewing techniques, career planning and job-seeking
strategies.
Through participation in the Co-op program, students can graduate with
up to two years of career-related work experience and, possibly, with a
job offer. A sizeable number of Central Connecticut State’s Co-op
students are offered permanent positions with their Co-op employers upon
graduation. Nationwide, graduates of Co-op programs are hired at higher
salaries and promoted faster than other employees. For students unsure
of a career, Co-op is a no-risk way to test job options. For those set
in 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 to December (Group B).
• Students may participate in either one, two, three or four Co-op work
blocks.
• Students must enroll in a Co-op Career Development Seminar during the
semester prior to the first work experience.
Enrolling in the Co-op Program
Once enrolled at Central Connecticut State, the first step in becoming a
Co-op student is to attend a Co-op Information Session. These are
offered weekly in the Co-op Office, Willard Hall Room 100. The session
provides details about how the program works, how to enroll and the
benefits the student can expect as a Co-op student at Central
Connecticut State. It gives students an opportunity to ask questions and
receive current literature about the program.
After the Information Session, students meet with a coordinator to
formally enroll in the program. Students should plan to enroll in the
program at least one semester prior to the first planned work block.
Group A students must apply no later than the third week of the fall
semester; Group B students must apply no later than the third week of
the spring semester. Applying a semester in advance of the work block
ensures: 1) a place in the program; 2) sufficient time for the Co-op
staff to develop appropriate Co-op positions; and 3) sufficient time for
students to complete the Career Development Seminar prior to their work
experience.
The Career Development
Seminar
The Career Development Seminar is designed to teach students life-long
career skills. They learn to write a résumé, interview effectively, make
career decisions, explore occupations and discover where the jobs are in
their field. This one-credit course is taught by the Co-op staff.
Cost and Eligibility
The Co-op program is available to all full- and part-time students in
good academic standing. Currently, it costs $400 per year to be enrolled
in the Co-op program. Students are billed $200 per semester.
|
