Career Development Center

• Co-ops 
  • Always paid,  often provide student opportunities for more immersive major-related learning, usually lasts two or more terms with the same employer
  • There are two types of Co-op
    • Alternating - Students work full-time every other semester, alternating between full-time work assignments and full-time enrollment in school
    • Parallel - Students work part-time year round while attending school full-time

• Internships
  • May be unpaid, learning opportunities are major-related but may not be as immersive, and experiences may last for a shorter duration.
    • Although not all internships are paid, the Career Development Center is among others who advocate that all internships should be paid. 

• Applies classroom knowledge to major-related work experience.
• Provides opportunities to develop career-readiness competencies.
• Develops professional networks to provide the competitive edge.
• Gives official transcript recognition.
• Applies classroom theory to a realist work setting.
• Clarifies career goals.
• Develops professional relationships.
• Prepares students for full-time employment upon graduation. 

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE):

• Employers consider relevant work experience a key factor in hiring.
• The majority of employers consider internships and Co-ops as the best way to gain relevant work experience.
• New graduates who participated in internships were more likely to receive job offers.

• Companies and positions must be approved by the CDC, and approval is at the sole discretion of the CDC.
• Students must maintain a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 for undergraduate level and 3.0 for graduate level.
• Students must have a minimum of 30 credit hours (sophomore status) completed to be eligible.
• Other requirements may apply and may be individually discussed with the Career Development Center.

• Login to your Cougar Jobline account.
• Update your profile with current information.
• Schedule an appointment with a Career Counselor through Cougar Jobline for the following:
  • To have your resume created or reviewed, and ultimately approved
  • To receive "Job Search" assistance if needed
• Once your resume has been approved, login to Cougar Jobline to view and apply for major-related Co-ops and Internships. 
• Employers contact those candidates they would like to interview.
• When a position is offered, OR if you identify a position on your own that you would like to register for Co-op/Internship transcript recognition, submit a Co-op/internship (Experiential Learning EL) record through your Cougar Jobline account.
• Paperwork will be due at the beginning and end of each term and will be discussed individually with students.

• Must have been at SIUE for at least 9 months or 2 academic terms.
• Must work directly with the Career Development Center AND International Affairs as each department requires paperwork for participation.
• May not begin work until ALL paperwork has been completed and process by the Career Development Center and International Affairs.
• Additional details for International Students may be located on the CDC website in the "Cooperative Education" section.

 As a participant in the SIUE Co-op and/or Internship Program, I agree and understand the following:

• My resumé will be forwarded to appropriate potential employers.
• Potential employers will evaluate my qualifications based on their needs and may contact me directly to arrange interviews.
• I will maintain a relationship with my Co-op/Internship Coordinator throughout my participation in the Program.
• I agree that by accepting a job obtained through the Career Development Center or SIUE Career Fairs, I am obligated to notify my Coordinator immediately to be registered in an appropriate Co-op or Internship class for each semester I am on an assignment.
• At the beginning of each work term, I will be responsible for submitting a New Experiential Learning record through Cougar Jobline.
• I will be responsible for ensuring that the required paperwork has been submitted and processed prior to the start date of work.
• I will submit a completed Employer Evaluation form and a Student Report by the Friday before final exams week.
• I agree to conduct myself in a positive, professional manner with my employer by adhering to the company policies, maintaining good attendance and punctuality, following safety rules and regulations, and striving for positive working relationships throughout the company.
• I understand that my Student Reports may be shared with my academic department for accreditation purposes.
• I understand that it is my sole responsibility to carefully review any documents I may be asked to sign by the employer or agent of the employer. Employers should NOT ask you to sign documents that will limit your future opportunities. Employers should NOT charge fees for participation in a Co-op or internship.