The Post University Cooperative Education (Co-op) Program

“Our mission to provide our students with the knowledge, personal skills and experiences required to become leaders in tomorrow’s careers.  We prepare each student every day to be confident, competent, and competitive participants in the global market place.”  

- Post University Mission Statement

It is essential that students gain leadership opportunities which will make them more marketable job candidates upon their emergence into the work world.  Therefore, the drive has begun to move towards providing more students with real-world practical experiences, which will called cooperative education experiences.

According to the National Commission for Cooperative Education the definition of cooperative education is a structured educational strategy integrating classroom studies with learning through productive work experiences in a field related to a student's academic or career goals. It provides progressive experiences in integrating theory and practice. Co-op is a partnership among students, educational institutions and employers, with specified responsibilities for each party.

Through the Post University Cooperative Education Program, students will take part in either co-ops or practicum (Depending on your major) .  Read below for further details.
Co-op
Students in all majors (except for Early Childhood Education and Human Services) will have the option of taking part in one of four possible co-op types

Co-op For Credit / Paid
Co-op For Credit / Unpaid
Co-op Not for Credit / Paid
Co-op Not for Credit / Unpaid

Students usually participate in co-op during their junior or senior year, however you may elect to participate in co-op as early as your Spring semester sophomore year.  Students who participate in a co-op for credit typically earn 3 credits for 120 hours of supervised work during a semester, however, a student may be able to earn up to 6 credits for 240 hours. 

Co-ops for credit must occur concurrently with faculty supervision, which means that co-ops for credit are only available during Fall and Spring semesters.   Non-credit co-ops are available year round, including winter and summer recess. 

To be eligible to participate in co-op, you must have at least completed the Professional Success Seminar I (CSA200), as well as have fulfulled the particular requirements that may exist within your major.  Check with your academic advisor to determine if any additional requirements exist.

Practicum

While most majors refer to their practical experiences as co-op, Human Services and Early Childhood Education refer to their practical experiences “Practicum.”
Students majoring in Human Services and Early Childhood Education are required to complete practicum.  Please consult your academic advisor to discuss your program requirements and to determine the best time to complete your practicum requirements.  Undergraduate students completing their Bachelor’s level practicum receive 3 credits for every 120 practicum hours completed.  Graduate students completing Master’s level Human Services practicum receive 2 credits for every 120 practicum hours completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I want to participate in a co-op?
There are lots of reasons!  First it will make you a more marketable job candidate.  The combination of classroom study and work produces an overall learning experience that gives greater meaning to your studies and more direction to your career development.

To get hands-on professional experience before you graduate:   How can you get a job without experience?  How do you get experience without a job?  The co-op program solves this dilemma.  Co-op employers are looking for students who have an interest and are taking courses in an area of study related to the position, and no previous experience is necessary.  It's your opportunity to get your foot in the door in your chosen field.

To strengthen your resume:  A co-op position on your resume can give you the edge you need to stand out amongst your peers.  Participating in co-op shows potential future employers that you already know how to apply your classroom skills to a work environment.
 
To explore your career options:  Sometimes it's hard to know exactly what you want to do until you've actually given it a try.  The co-op program gives you the chance to test drive different positions so you can find one that fits you.  By exploring different aspects of your field before you graduate, you can clarify your career goals so that, by the time you get your degree, you'll have a better sense of what you want out of a career. 

To gain professional skills and confidence: The "real world" can seem intimidating when you are a student.  Co-op gives you the opportunity to test drive the professional world before you graduate.  There are certain professional skills and office etiquette that you simply cannot learn until you've actually experienced working in a professional setting.  With co-op, you've got a head start.

To develop network connections in your chosen field:   Some experts say that in the work world, it's all about who you know.  Through co-op, you get to meet individuals who are already established in your future profession.  You can establish valuable connections with professionals who will help you learn more about your field and might be able to assist you in future job searches.

When would I take part in my co-op experience? 
You may be able to take part in a co-op as early as your second semester sophomore year!  In fact, this allows you plenty of time to take part in more than one co-op experience during your academic career at Post!

Where would I work?
You could work at a local company in Connecticut (during the semester), or choose to work at a company near your hometown over the summer months.  Co-op opportunities exist around the country for students in selected majors.  Post University may already have established contacts in your preferred region or can advise you on how to develop leads. 

A few of the participating companies where our students have recently gone:

Cartus ~ CVS ~ Department of Children and Families ~ Enterprise Rent-A-Car ~ ESPN ~ IBM ~ Naugatuck Savings Bank ~ Marrakech, Inc. ~ Six Flags New England ~ Saslow, Lufkin & Buggy, LLP ~ Smith Barney ~ St. Mary’s Hospital ~ State of CT Judicial Branch ~  State of CT General Assembly ~ Target ~ Webster Bank ~ The Worx Group ~ UBS