Cooperative Education—Why Participate in Co-op?
The number of students and employers participating in organized cooperative education programs increases across the country each year. Why is cooperative education emphasized by colleges and universities as well as by major corporations? A review of outcomes for each of the participants in a cooperative education experience should supply the answers. Co-op provides the opportunity to:
- Practical Work Experience—Put into practice the training received in the classroom and to work under the supervision of a trained professional in the field
- Cutting-Edge Technology—Use state-of-the-art technology
- Job Skills Enhancement—Develop greater competency in those skills needed for a particular job through practical experience and through increased motivation in the classroom
- Personal Growth—Increase personal strengths through the development of self-awareness, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility
- Human Relations Skills Enhancement—Develop a better understanding of human relations skills necessary for successful employment
- Income—Earn money to defray at least a portion of educational expenses
- Career Goals Assessment—Determine the general requirements for successful employment in an occupational field and evaluate the student's interest and performance in that area
- Job Market Analysis—Analyze the job market in an occupational field within the community
- Networking Opportunities—Make valuable employment contacts for securing a permanent job offer upon graduation
