What is Co-op?
Cooperative Education is an optional educational strategy that allows you to combine academic study with practical "hands-on" work experience related to your major.
The Department of Career Services provides a structured program that unites students and employers, and ECSU in a mutually beneficial arrangement. We assist students with locating and acquiring a work opportunity in the local or regional area. After completing at least the first year (30 credits) in good academic standing (2.0 or higher) a co-op student will take time off from academic classroom study to work full-time (typically 6 months) for an employer.
How do I qualify for Co-op?
A student who is well prepared and has completed the necessary requirements below will be a strong candidate to obtain the best possible co-op job!
1. Attend a Co-op Information Session
It is strongly recommended that you attend the information session offered several times at the start of each semester. You will receive a thorough description of the CO-OP program and learn about all the benefits and opportunities afforded to you as a CO-OP student. Click here to see the schedule for the co-op information sessions.
2. Prepare Your Resume
A resume is required for all CO-OP candidates! Resume workshops and resume review service is offered by the Career Services staff at numerous times throughout the year. Bring your resume draft to the Career Office for review. Handouts are also available to help get you started. Your resume is required to be officially enrolled in the CO-OP program.
3. Schedule a Co-op Appointment
Make a ½ hour appointment with the Career Services staff to get started and officially enroll in the program. Bring your resume to this appointment! Call 465-4559 or stop by the Career Services Office located in the Support Services Center on the 2nd floor. Students enrolling in the co-op program will be required to register on eRecruiting. The web site for eRecruiting will prompt students on creating a student account.
4. Consult the Co-op Job Listing
You are responsible to select which CO-OP job opportunities you are interested in by applying online to each employer. The majority of jobs are established through the outreach efforts of the Career Services staff. Employers who call the Career Services Office to list job opportunities are also encouraged to participate in the CO-OP program. Employers are asked to provide a specific job description, skills and special knowledge and experience needed, rate of pay, hours, etc. The eRecruiting site is frequently updated with the latest CO-OP jobs. The CO-OP job search is competitive with the hiring decisions made on the basis of an interview with employers.
5. Apply on-line for all Co-op Jobs
Apply on-line for CO-OP jobs you are interested in. Many employers make decisions months in advance to allow ample time to interview students. You should check your e-mail on a daily basis during peak recruiting periods (October/November, March/April) as this will be our primary method of communication. You are responsible for checking your email and taking the appropriate action and response. Employers will often leave word with the Career Services Office if they cannot reach you directly!
6. Schedule a Mock Interview
The way to impress an employer is to be prepared! Good interviewing skills gets the job! CO-OP candidates are strongly encouraged to schedule a mock interview through the Career Services Office.
7. Research Employers
Prior to a job interview, prepare yourself by researching the company or organization well in advance. Self-knowledge is also important – so be prepared to talk about you and your school and career interests during an interview. Interviewing tips are offered in the Career Services Office.
8. The Co-op Job Hunt
Employers will review resumes and make their decisions as to who to call in for an interview based on the student’s qualifications and skills for the job. Employers will usually contact you directly for an interview at their site. During this peak job search time, PLEASE READ YOUR E-MAIL ON A DAILY BASIS for messages related to your CO-OP job search. Share any news about job interviews with the Career Services Office staff as well!
9. The Co-op Job Offer
Tell the Career Services staff of any CO-OP job offers accepted! Once an offer is accepted, schedule an appointment with the Career Services staff to complete the required CO-OP registration forms to officially register your CO-OP job through the University. The CO-OP Registration Form is necessary to keep you enrolled for the time period you are out on a CO-OP assignment. Certain student fees will continue to be charged to your semester ECSU fee bill; complete information about student fees, campus housing, sickness insurance and general financial aid information will be provided at this time. You’ll also receive information about: how your performance will be evaluated, site visits conducted by the Career Services staff, the role/responsibility of the CO-OP employer and job supervisor, and other job related issues.
10. Congratulations -- Goal Achieved!
The CO-OP experience will give you a substantial head start towards your career goals. Contact the Career Services Office for assistance at any point during the CO-OP process.
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