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Internships and co-ops are professional experience programs which offer you the chance to integrate classroom theory with career-related work experience. This work experience can enhance your classroom learning while you explore and clarify your career goals. Career-related work experience also increases your chances of finding satisfying employment upon graduation. Most employers prefer candidates who have developed job-related skills and knowledge through career-related work experience. An added benefit for you is that such experience expands your network of professionals in your field of interest which may prove to be very helpful to you as you conduct your full time job search.
INTERNSHIPS
An internship is a credit-generating, full or part-time work experience that is directly related to your field of study, career goal, or both. Internships may be paid or unpaid; they may be arranged during the academic year or summer. (Summer internships are usually very competitive.) Planning for an internship should begin during your sophomore year. Many academic departments at Eastern offer either required or elective internship programs.
Finding opportunities:
- Meet with your advisor or faculty in your academic department ( the Internship Coordinator) as they often maintain internship contacts and listings.
- Learn how to draft and market your own internship proposal. If you have an interest in a certain company or organization, contact them and present your internship proposal.
- Visit the Smith Library Career Information Center to peruse books that list internships.
- Visit company, field, and general career web sites.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION
Co-oping is another method of gaining work experience. The co-op program at ECSU is run by the Career Services office. All co-ops are paid (a pre-professional competitive wage) by the employer and are usually three to six month period engagements. Most employers seek students on a full-time basis though some co-ops are / can be on a part-time basis.
For more information on qualifications, procedures and co-op options, visit the Career Services office.
Other methods of testing career decisions and gaining experience:
Research graduate school options: Research schools that offer your program of interest. The Smith Library has directories, graduate school entrance test bulletins, etc. The Career Services Office and the faculty can help you decide if graduate school is for you.
- Assume active leadership roles in campus organizations or community activities.
- Consider participating in a study-abroad program. Contact our International Program.
- Explore opportunities for undergraduate research with professors in your major.
- Attend Career Fairs to network with employers who have career-related seasonal employment and internship or co-op opportunities.
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