“Experience Opens Doors”
Even though graduation may seem far away to many of you, the world beyond Saint Vincent College awaits you with exciting and diverse opportunities. Experience opens the doors of opportunity so plan now for your future!
The Internship/Cooperative Education academic programs are available to all majors combining classroom studies with supervised work experience in a field related to the student’s major, minor, or career goals. Students gain professional experience before graduation so that they enter the job market with a distinct advantage. Over half of all Saint Vincent College graduates complete at least one internship before graduation. The Internship and Cooperative Education Programs link students, the college, and employers in an exceptional academic partnership.
Internship/Cooperative Education (Co-Op) Programs
The Internship/Co-Op Programs are academic programs combining classroom studies with supervised work experience in a field related to the student's major, minor, or career goals. Students gain professional experience before graduation so that they enter the job market with a distinct advantage. At the same time, they may earn money to help with college expenses and earn credits to meet graduation requirements. Students may participate during any term or during school breaks. Student earnings equal approximately $400,000 each year. An internship usually invloves a one term commitment; cooperative education (co-op) involves more than a one term commitment. The Internship/Co-Op Programs link students, the college, and employers in an exceptional academic partnership!
Internship/Cooperative Education 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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
[top]
What is the difference between a cooperative education program and an internship?
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 full-time work and an internship involves
one semester of paid or volunteer part-time work.
Why participate in a cooperative education program?
Research shows that co-op students:
- 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.
- Receive more job
offers.
- Earn higher starting
salaries.
- Are more likely to get the job with
the employer they want after graduation.
Why complete an internship?
- Increase
self-awareness.
- Perform self-assessment and
exploration.
- Identify personal
talents.
- Investigate career goals and
objectives.
- Link self-knowledge with occupational
information.
- Discover the link between classroom
theory and its application in the professional
world.
- Advance job search and
marketability.
How do students benefit from a cooperative education program or internship?
- 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 your broad-based
liberal arts education to the world of work.
- Earn monetary compensation to help
with college costs.
- Boost your 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.
What kinds of cooperative education programs and internships 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.
When should students sign up for a cooperative education program or internship?
Individuals may participate in a
cooperative education program or internship during their sophomore, junior, or
senior years. The cooperative education programs and internships may be
served during any term, including summer and semester breaks. Students
should consult with an Academic Advisor to determine where a cooperative
education program or internship fits into their academic course
plan.
How do students attain a cooperative education program or internship?
Students may search for a co-op or internship site with the assistance of the Career Services office. They offer many resources including their web database, local and regional job fairs, Career Library, alumni mentors, and numerous directories. Also, faculty advisors are valuable resources. Students may also check with family, friends, and community resources near their homes to identify possible sites. All internships must be approved by a faculty advisor in order for students to earn internship credits.
How are cooperative education programs and internships arranged?
There are several options. Students may use the resources in 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 counseling 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.
Is there an approved list of cooperative education program and internship sites?
The Career Services office maintains
a list of cooperative education program and internship sites that have
frequently hired students. Their web database (College Central Network)
provides an opportunity for students to apply directly to employers with
available internships. However, each faculty member approves cooperative
education programs and internships on an individual basis.
Do students receive monetary compensation and/or earn academic credit for the cooperative education program or internship?
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 co-op/internships 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 academic 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.
How many credits can a student earn through a cooperative education program or internship?
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.
Academic advisors and faculty or co-op supervisors will help to determine this
number. Generally speaking, students register for 1-12 credits for
internships or co-op education experiences.
What are the expectations of the co-op/internship 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.
