Coop education, a head start on the competition

March 18, 2008 | By valmg |

Having attended college I know how frustrating it can be to have to work in an unrelated field while in school to earn money, and to graduate and look for a job only to be told you don’t have the necessary experience. After seeing mention of college co-op programs earlier this week I wanted to read up and learn a bit more about them since I have a son that will have to start considering his future and a college education in just a few more years.

A college co-op program both provides an education and places the student into the workplace while they’re in school. In approximately four and a half years a student can graduate with a degree and more than two years of work experience in their chosen field. This combination ensures students are properly equipped to succeed after graduation.
Kettering University offers a co-op unlike others in that they get the students into the workplace in the beginning of freshman year, rotating work and school in three month increments. This method clearly works because in the annual “America’s Best Colleges Guide for 2008″ report released by US News and World Report Kettering was ranked #1 nationally in industrial engineering. Their internship program has been named a “program to watch for”, which is what experts consider schools whose programs are associated with student success and stand out. Placement on this list is partially due to the success of its engineering co-op programs I’m sure.

Something I didn’t know is that students in co-op programs earn a salary while they’re working. That would have a big impact on spending money while in school and could significantly lessen pay back of student loans due after graduation. At the end of internships many companies often choose to hire graduates full time which lessens recruiting and training costs. A number of the employers that have worked with students from the co-op program are nationally known companies.

I was quite impressed when I finished reading about Kettering’s co-op program. I hope we’re fortunate enough to be able to help my son get into a program such as this when his time comes.