http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-an-internship-and-a-cooperative-education-co-op-program In both programs students gain career-related practical experience by working in positions that complement and support the student’s academic preparation. Each is intended to provide professional experience by developing valuable job skills while obtaining real world experience. The difference is that a cooperative education program involves two or more semesters of paid work and an internship involves one semester of paid or volunteer work. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-an-internship-and-a-cooperative-education-co-op-program Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:31 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/why-participate-in-an-internship/co-op-program Research shows that co-op students: Increase self-awareness Discover the link between classroom theory and its application in the professional world Identify personal talents and interests Gain a greater knowledge of career goals and objectives Will do better in school Are more likely to graduate Are ahead in preparation for their field Are viewed as better candidates in job interviews by employers Are more likely to get the job with the employer they want after graduation Receive more job offers Earn higher starting salaries http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/why-participate-in-an-internship/co-op-program Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:32 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-do-students-benefit-from-an-internship/co-op-program Students will: Acquire opportunities to make informed career decisions through on-the-job-experience. Gain practical employment experience that employers look for when hiring college graduates. Develop essential, practical, and professional skills and competencies specific to a career or environment. Integrate classroom theory with real-life experiences. Obtain a heightened understanding of classroom instruction. Extend and apply broad-based liberal arts education to the world of work. Earn monetary compensation to help with college costs. Boost self-confidence and maturity. Gain a competitive edge for employment or graduate school admission. Establish a network of professional contacts, mentors, and references for future employment. Experience a controlled transition from the college environment to the real working world. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-do-students-benefit-from-an-internship/co-op-program Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:33 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-kinds-of-internships/co-ops-are-available Saint Vincent College students have interned with a variety of local, regional, and national employers. Students have also served in Saint Vincent College campus offices. Businesses, industries, government agencies, and social service organizations have all employed Saint Vincent students. Opportunities are limitless and we encourage students to think beyond obvious boundaries. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-kinds-of-internships/co-ops-are-available Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:33 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/when-should-students-register-for-an-internship-or-co-op Individuals may participate in an internship/co-op program during their sophomore, junior, or senior years. The internship/coops may be served during any term, including summer and semester breaks. Students should consult with a faculty advisor to determine where the practical experience will fit his/her academic course plan. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/when-should-students-register-for-an-internship-or-co-op Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:33 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-do-students-attain-an-internship/co-op-program Students may search for an internship/co-op site with the assistance of the Office of Career Services. We offer many resources including web database, local and regional job fairs, Career Library, and numerous directories. Students should meet with a counselor to learn more about the internship search process. Students may check with family, friends, and community resources near their homes to identify possible sites. Also, faculty advisors are valuable resources. All internships must be approved by a faculty advisor in order for students to earn internship credits. However, not all students are required to obtain credit for internship experience. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-do-students-attain-an-internship/co-op-program Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:34 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-are-internship/co-op-programs-arranged There are several options. Students may use the resources in the Office of Career Services to identify and apply to employers advertising positions, or review lists of employers who have hired students in the past. Students may be interviewed on-campus or off-campus at the discretion of the employer. In many cases, academic departments also provide information regarding potential employer sites. Employers make offers to students and establish hiring guidelines. Faculty members approve and award credit, with a Pass/Fail or Grade option. The student is responsible for all paperwork, faculty approval, and registering for academic credit. All documents can be obtained at the Office of Career Services or by visiting: http://www.stvincent.edu/cooperative_education4 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-are-internship/co-op-programs-arranged Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:34 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/is-there-an-approved-list-of-internship/co-op-sites The Office of Career Services maintains a list of internship/co-op sites that have frequently hired students. College Central Network is a web database providing a opportunities for co-op students to apply directly to employers with available internships. However, each faculty member approves the internships/co-op on an individual basis. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/is-there-an-approved-list-of-internship/co-op-sites Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:34 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/do-students-receive-monetary-compensation-and/or-earn-academic-credit-for-the-internship/co-op On the average, approximately 80% of Saint Vincent College students receive compensation for working. The details regarding compensation for each position are advertised on each job posting. Students should not assume the internships/co-ops are paid, especially if they secure their own placement. Individuals may be paid an hourly wage by the employer, a monthly salary, a stipend (lump sum offered at completion) or paid hourly through the PHEAA State Work-Study Program or Community Service Work-Study Program. Academic credit may be earned in each case with the approval of the student’s faculty advisor. When a student earns academic credit, they are responsible for the costs of course registration, as well as travel and housing during the term of the internship. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/do-students-receive-monetary-compensation-and/or-earn-academic-credit-for-the-internship/co-op Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:35 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-many-credits-can-a-student-earn-through-an-internship/co-op-program The number of credits varies and is dependent upon departmental requirements, which are stated in the catalog and the number of remaining general electives toward graduation requirements. Faculty advisors will help to determine this number. Generally speaking, students register for 1-12 credits for internships/co-op experiences. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/how-many-credits-can-a-student-earn-through-an-internship/co-op-program Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:35 -0400 http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-are-the-expectations-of-the-internship/co-op-employer The employer expects the student to adhere to company policies and procedures affecting the department in which they will work. Students should familiarize themselves with the dress code and work schedule. Employers expect students to ask questions while in training, interact with other employees, and project a mature attitude. Most of all, they expect students to demonstrate competence, eagerness to learn, and the ability to adapt to change. The work-site supervisor reports information to the faculty advisor regarding student’s performance. In many cases employers make full time job offers to interns upon graduation. http://www.stvincent.edu/coop_internship/faq/what-are-the-expectations-of-the-internship/co-op-employer Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:43:36 -0400