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Jobs that
offer great major-related experience and a nice
paycheck do
exist. Try your hands at a co-op program.
College Co-Op Jobs -- Making Educational Strides
and Cash At The Same Time!
By Rochelle DelGaizo Billera
March 2001
The CollegeBound Network NewsClick -- These days,
Sara Constantakis is smiling from ear to ear.
Thanks to her participation in the liberal arts
and science co-op program she stumbled across
while enrolled at the University of Michigan-Dearborn,
Dearborn, MI, Sara now enjoys a real-deal career
as an editor in the literature division of Gale
Group.
She was hired as
a full-time employee at the reference publishing
company in Farmington, MI, in 1999. "My transition
from part-time to full-time employee was very
smooth and seamless," says the English alumnus.
That's what co-op
programs, which allow students to split their
time between working and schooling, are all about,
says Patty Jones, director of the University's
co-op program. "The program is successful
in great part because 30 to 60 percent of students
participating receive placement in a career-related
job upon graduation," she points out. Sara's
perfect proof!
"Students have
such a good experience, employers are helpful,
and resumes are richer," adds Jones. "We
are appreciative that employers are partnering
with schools for the sake of enhancing the education
of students."
So, how does one
actually get involved with a college's co-op program?
Here's the deal: Most schools require you be at
least a sophomore with a 2.25 GPA or better. The
perks include career-related, paid work experience,
and a weekly schedule of 20 to 30 hours that is
balanced with regular campus coursework. Depending
on the number of hours worked, you can earn anywhere
from one to three credits and gain invaluable
experience. Plus, there's a paycheck!
Not too shabby, huh?
Erik Stanbridge,
a senior biochemistry student at the University,
who's currently co-oping his way to experience
and cash, doesn't think so! Erik works in the
analytical development department at Pfizer Pharmaceutical
in Ann Arbor, MI. He puts in 27 hours a week at
Pfizer, a stint he says actually relates to his
classwork.
"When doing
the labs, it isn't as abstract to me as it is
to some of the other students," he says.
Most co-op students agree with Erik that the two
responsibilities actually compliment one another,
even if working at a "real" job and
attending school initially seems like an awful
lot to swallow. Besides, college costs big bucks.
You gotta' pay for it somehow, right?
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