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• What is Cooperative Education Work Experience?
• Why should I consider Co-op Education?
• Who is eligible for a Co-op internship and when can it be done?
• Where can I get Co-op placement information?
• Can I find placement on my own or use my existing job for Co-op credits?
• Are are co-op experiences compensated?
• How is credit earned?
• Do Co-op credits count towards my degree?
• How do I register?

Cooperative Education (Co-op) Work Experience is a partnership created among the employer, student (you) and Co-op faculty coordinator offering you a unique opportunity to:

• Establish a connection between education and work
• Earn college credits toward a degree/certificate
• Explore your career interests and plans
• Receive valuable on-the-job training

• Opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to real world situations
• Practice and enhance interpersonal and technical skills
• Develop work place accountability and learn work environment realities 
• Opportunity to network and develop professional contacts
• Career exploration – evaluate your career options
• Graduate with training-related work experience on your resume.
• Earn money for college expenses with paid positions
• Earn college credits towards degree/certificate
• Get your foot in the door
• Achieve a competitive edge

• Any current Clark College student may participate in the Co-op program
• You may participate in any or all academic quarters: fall, winter, spring and/or summer (Some departments may vary, check with your Co-op faculty coordinator)

RETURN TO QUESTION LIST

You may seek to develop your own internship, or utilize the Employment Services Center to find a job related to your field of study or for contact information.  Co-ops may be done:

• Anywhere in the U.S., including your hometown.
• You may seek to develop your own Co-op
• Many employers offer valuable internship opportunities to gain career related experience. You can  search employer websites for information
• Utilize the Career & Employment Services Center for assistance
• Consult with your Co-op faculty coordinator for ideas
• Your current job may qualify for Co-op credits

RETURN TO QUESTION LIST

• Paid positions are possible, but not guaranteed
• Excellent training and experience is available for students willing to take an unpaid position, particularly in journalism, media, computer technology, and political science.
• Volunteer positions are also valuable sources for quality work experience
• Some unpaid positions offer a stipend

• Ratio is usually one credit per 30 hours worked over the course of the quarter, up to a maximum of 5 credits each quarter
• Students have the option of earning 1-5 credits per quarter for their work experience and an additional 1-2 credits for attending a required companion class. (see schedule)
• A maximum of 15 Co-op credits is possible while at Clark.

• RETURN TO QUESTION LIST

• Co-op work experience credits are listed in the class schedule as a 199 course (BTEC 199, BUS 199, HDEV 199, etc.)
• Contact the appropriate Co-op faculty coordinator in your major to inquire about eligibility and to obtain permission-to-register.
• In addition, register for the companion class listed in the schedule. Unless noted otherwise in the class schedule, HDEV 195, 198 or 200 (choose 1).
• If you don’t know who the coordinator is for your major, contact the Co-op office at 992-2964
• You must have an approved Co-op job before registering for credits.