Cooperative Education: Employer Information

What is cooperative education (co-op)?

Cooperative Education is a unique plan of educational enrichment that is designed to make students' educational programs more relevant and meaningful by integrating formal academic study with practical work experience. Through co-op experiences, students' classroom learning is supported by opportunities to work in jobs directly related to their academic and career goals.

Students may register for up to three co-op credit hours. The number of hours for which a student may register is determined by the number of hours the student is working.

How does co-op work?

There are two methods by which a student may participate in a co-op: the alternating method and the parallel method. The alternating approach rotates the student between periods of full-time employment and full-time schooling. The parallel approach allows the student to work and attend school during the same period of time.

What benefits does cooperative education offer the employer?

Participation in a Cooperative Education Program gives employers the opportunity to:

• Groom promising new talent to meet future needs.
• Observe and evaluate students' potential.
• Save money by reducing recruitment costs.
• Obtain qualified temporary employees to meet temporary workloads.

How can an employer become involved with a co-op?

• Designate a co-op contact person in your company.
• Decide where co-op students may be used in your organization.
• Develop corresponding job descriptions.
• Register on MySCCareer Source and post your internship opportunities.
• Review resumes, interview outstanding candidates and make your hiring choice.

What are participating employers' responsibilities?

• Provide work assignments in line with co-op goals and objectives, as defined in the student's Learning Contract.
• Designate a supervisor who will work with the student(s) to achieve their academic and career goals.
• Complete a one-page midterm performance evaluation on the co-op student and return it to the Career Development Center.

Who qualifies for a co-op?

Interested students must:

• Complete a minimum of one semester at Seminole State and maintain a grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
• Have or obtain — with the assistance of the co-op staff — a job related to their academic and career goals.

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