What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is an educational program which integrates learning in the classroom with learning in a professional field.

Co-op students may work full or part-time but must have a minimum of 14 hours per week for 14 weeks. Co-op students may elect to receive general credit for their participation in the program by registering for a 3-credit course, or graduating seniors may elect the noncredit option and pay a Co-op fee.

Cooperative Education Offers:

• Valuable work experience in your career field
• Academic credit
• New perspectives on your studies
• Professional contact in your career field
• Money for your education
• Professional contacts in your field

Eligibility

Any USM student who is enrolled and seeking a degree is eligible for Cooperative Education provided that:

►Undergraduate Students

• Have 30 total credits earned (9 of which must be in your major) with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.

• Meet the criteria established by your particular school or college.

• Notify your academic advisor to discuss your plans to pursue a co-op position.

►Graduate Students

• Be matriculated and in good standing in a USM Graduate Program.

►International Students

• Get employment authorization from the Director of International Programs.

The Co-op Process 

►PHASE I - INFORMATION

1.   Schedule an initial appointment with one of our counselors by calling 780-4220. Bring in your résumé to be reviewed. 

2.   Notify your academic advisor about your plans to pursue a Co-op position. 

3. Return your completed Co-op application and updated résumé to Career Services.

►PHASE II - CO-OP POSITION SEARCH

1.  Review the Co-op jobs in our jobs database. Contact Career Services if you have any trouble logging in by calling 780-4220.

2.  Check out Disney's Interneship Program. Let one of our staff members know if you are interested in spending time in sunny Florida doing your internship so they can help you get started.

3. Apply for Co-op positions by submitting to our office all the application materials requested by the employer prior to posted deadlines.  Employers will call selected candidates for interviews.

OR

1.  Talk with your current employer about making your job a Co-op

2.  Provide a Coordinator with your job description and contact information for you job supervisor

►PHASE III - POSITION ACCEPTANCE, LEARNING CONTRACT, AND REGISTRATION

1.  When you have secured a Cooperative Education position, the Learning Contract must be completed.

2.  Learning Contract: Develop your Learning Contract in consultation with your faculty sponsor. This agreement specifies all academic and on-site expectations and requirements for the Co-op experience.

3.  Course Registration: Complete top portion of your Learning Contract. Formal registration for Co-op occurs only when all completed forms are submitted to Career Services.

►PHASE IV - COMPLETION OF THE CO-OP PROGRAM

1.  Complete all required forms and submit to Career Services.

2.  Complete all required academic work (journals, meetings, presentations, papers, etc.) and hand it in to your faculty sponsor by the deadlines stated on your Learning Agreement.

Upon completion of your on-site work, meet with a staff member to evaluate the Co-op experience, the employer and future possibilities.

Creating Your Own Co-op 

You may obtain a high-quality job related to your major or career goals on your own. If you want your self-developed job evaluated for credit you must submit a Co-op Job Description form, your Co-op Application and an updated copy of you resume to a Co-op Coordinator. Many students have obtained new, exciting positions by applying on their own, and have subsequently turned their new jobs into a CO-OP.

For more information call the Career Services & Professional Life Development office at 207-780-4220 (Portland) or 207-780-5330 (Gorham) and sign up for a Co-op appointment.

Co-op Notes

As you move through the Co-op process, don't forget to:

• Inform us of any name and/or address changes.
  

• Talk to you academic advisor about electives, requirements for your major and to advance register for next semester.
  

• Discuss with the Student Financial Aid Office how Cooperative Education earnings will impact current and future financial aid.

Did You Know?

Studies at leading Cooperative Education institutions show that a high percentage of Co-op students receive an offer for permanent employment from a company that participates in the institution’s program. 

Approximately 900 colleges and universities, both two and four year, offer Cooperative Education programs.

Co-op Education is available in virtually every college curriculum.

Cooperative Education programs are offered at all levels, from the associate’s to the doctoral degree.

An estimated 50,000 employers, public, private, and nonprofit hire Cooperative Education students nationwide.

Questions You May Have:  

What will I learn at my Co-op job?

Career or industry-specific information, corporate culture, communication and technology skills are all important outcomes of the Co-op experience.

Where are Co-op positions located?

Most of our Co-op positions are located throughout the Eastern seaboard with a concentration in Maine.

How Do Students Get Academic Credit for a Co-op Experience?

When Co-op position had been secured, you must register for a Co-op course which includes site visits by the faculty member, reflection papers and classroom discussions of material. The courses are credit/no credit and count as electives toward graduation.

Can my current job be considered for Co-op credit?   

Using your current job may be possible.  Talk to the one of our counselors about this possibility.