INTRODUCTION

Since 1974, the cooperative education (co-op) program at Cook College has continued to provide students with valuable assistance in identifying and refining their own career choices. Cook College students who participate in the co-op program have the advantage of working in their fields while earning credits toward their undergraduate degrees.

For Cook College students who are giving serious thought to academic or career plans after graduation, a co-op employment experience might just be the key to identifying professional interests and goals.

REQUIREMENTS

Securing a co-op job is relatively straightforward. The program is open to all Cook College students who have successfully completed 24 credits toward their respective undergraduate degree. An instructional video presents detailed information about the co-op program, useful tips when being interviewed for a position, and sound advice from former co-op students who have graduated from Cook College.

An applicant's resume and accompanying cover letter will be sent to all potential employers of choice, and the applicant will be contacted if the employer wishes to schedule an interview. If you do not have a resume, co-op counselors will be pleased to assist you in creating a resume which highlights your academic and personal achievements.

Once a position is secured, it is then required for the applicant to choose a Cook College professor to be a faculty sponsor for the employment experience. A faculty sponsor corresponds closely during the co-op experience, and also provides professional guidance. The work supervisor and colleagues may also provide valuable contacts in the field that may help with a permanent job upon graduation.

BENEFITS OF CO-OP

To recognize and honor outstanding cooperative education students, Kappa Theta Epsilon is a new honor society that has been recently established at Cook College. The society is also designed to promote awareness of the advantages of enrolling in the co-op program. Membership is open to those co-op students who have completed at least 50% of the requirements of their degree, and are also scholastically ranked in the top fifth of their class.

The benefits of membership include a new Speaker of the Month program, where various speakers who are employed in a variety of business and environmental fields are invited to discuss their own work experiences. These are speakers who work in selected fields that closely correspond to the majors and career interests of Cook College students.

In addition, Kappa Theta Epsilon members are individually recognized at the graduation ceremony and on their official transcripts, which also makes membership into this honor society a worthwhile commitment.

A BRIGHTER PROFESSIONAL FUTURE

The cooperative education program is facilitated by the Cook College administration. Furthermore, co-op students generally establish valuable network connections within their fields that often lead to brighter and more promising professional careers. At the same time, students typically earn a salary while earning academic credits toward their degree.

The promise of credits and a salary while being employed in your respective major before graduation enhances your professional and emotional maturity, preparing you to be successful in your career! Cook College is pleased to assist you in this regard by offering the services of cooperative education.