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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.
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