20 / 68
CAREER GUIDE 2016–2017
CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
20
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an academic engaged-learning
program designed to provide the student with an opportunity
to learn and work under a mentor in his or her field of study.
Cooperative Education, as the term implies, represents an
educational partnership between the University and participating
companies.
•
Students are employed full-time, with pay, by the
participating company.
•
Semesters of Co-op rotations typically alternate with
semesters of classes and result in significant full-time
experience for each student.
•
The students’ experiences are monitored and evaluated by
an academic staff of Co-op advisors to ensure a successful
teaching and learning process.
•
Companies serve as teaching partners of the University
and the Co-op experience becomes an integral part of the
student’s education.
Beyond the educational benefits of the program, students agree
that the significant full-time experience the program offers
gives them a competitive edge when seeking employment upon
graduation.
Tell me and I forget
Show me and I remember
Involve me and I understand
This ancient proverb expresses so well what the Co-op Program
is about. Co-op assignments add a textual dimension to the
curriculum as students are challenged to think critically and
creatively within a work setting.
•
When given the chance to apply theory that is learned
in class, students gain a greater understanding of the
material from a different perspective.
•
Students report that when they are on a Co-op rotation, they
learn new concepts in their field as well as material not yet
covered in their classes.
HOW TO ENTER THE CO-OP PROGRAM
Students interested in seeking a Co-op assignment should
contact the Co-op Program office early in the semester before
they want to begin their first rotation. The fall semester is the
time to interview for assignments that begin in Jan. and the
spring semester is the time to interview for assignments that
begin in May or Aug.
We share office space with our partner, the Michelin
®
Career
Center, located in Suite 316 on the third floor of the Hendrix
Center. The lobby receptionist will direct you to our office area.