Co-op
Student
H A N D B O O K
C O - O P E D U C AT I O N | C A R E E R S E R V I C E S
Cooperative
Education
Offices
41 Park Row, 14th floor
New York, NY 10038
(212) 346-1950
Fax (212) 346-1719
Gannett House
861 Bedford Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
(914) 773-3415
Fax (914) 773-3377
Graduate Center
One Martine Avenue, Suite 218
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 422-4016
Fax (914) 422-4094
[email protected]
www.pace.edu/coopcs
Contents
Co-op at Pace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
The Co-op Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Cooperative Education Program
Student Responsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Co-op Referral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Interviewing and Beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
On the Job . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Frequently Asked Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Co-op
at Pace
Welcome to Pace Cooperative Education
ow can you apply classroom theory to on-the-job experience, earn a salary,
and learn before graduation if a certain career path is right for you? The
Pace Cooperative Education Program gives you the opportunity to enhance your
academic program with career-related experience and make your study at Pace
most rewarding. Students in all majors can explore careers by working part time or
full time for a semester, or during the summer, in paid internships. Employment
settings include national, multinational, regional, and local companies, schools,
and hospitals. Co-op at Pace is a competitive program accommodating a variety
of work schedules. There is no need to delay graduation in order to take advantage
of the program.
H
The Pace Cooperative Education Program began in 1979 with 15 students, seven
employers, and an exciting mission: to help students gain study-related work
experience prior to graduation. Pace’s program has grown to be one of the largest
programs among senior colleges and graduate schools in the country and is the
leading cooperative education program among universities in the New York
metropolitan area. Each year, more than 1,100 Pace students work in co-op
positions with more than 500 participating employers. Over 20,000 Pace students
have benefited from co-op since its inception 25 years ago.
The co-op staff is here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
This handbook addresses the policies and guidelines for successful participation
in the program. Read it carefully to fully understand how you can benefit from a
co-op experience. Good luck!
Through the Cooperative Education Program students have the opportunity to:
2
■
Integrate classroom learning with on-the-job experience
■
Earn a competitive salary to help defray academic expenses
■
Acquire pre-professional work experience and skills
■
Develop confidence and professionalism
■
Test interests and goals
■
Improve opportunities for postgraduate employment
■
Build a competitive resume
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
Civic Engagement
A highlight of Pace’s Cooperative Education Program is its support for civic
engagement, where students work in the public and nonprofit sectors. The co-op
program encourages greater understanding, interest, and active involvement in
community service. Each year more than 100 students work in civic related positions in organizations such as community service agencies, local government,
courts, food pantries, schools, and public advocacy groups.
What Is a Co-op Job?
Co-op positions are usually paid pre-professional internships directly related to
your field of study and personal interests. Co-op employers hire Pace co-op students as temporary employees. Generally, no benefits are awarded to students and
salaries are determined by employers. As a Pace co-op intern, you are not entitled
to unemployment benefits once your co-op has ended.
Co-op employers are asked to provide students with challenging responsibilities,
so those students may grow and develop new professional competencies.
Supervision is a key aspect of co-op employment, fostering a learning atmosphere
between student and employer. Co-op employers understand, when hiring a Pace
co-op student, that a student’s first priority is schoolwork and that student schedules change each semester. Upon successful completion of a co-op position, the
experience will be noted on the student transcript indicating the organization’s
name and the semester of employment.
Co-op Work Schedules
Pace students may work in positions throughout the metropolitan area. Co-op
positions are available with the following schedule options:
■
Parallel/Part time: Students attend classes while working 15--20 hours per
week during the business week and may work more hours during school
breaks and during the summer. Most students at Pace select this option.
■
Alternating/Full-time Semester: Students may attend evening or no classes
for one semester and work full time in a co-op position.
■
Summer: Students work full time for the summer break. Many positions
continue into the fall semester on a part-time basis.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
3
Getting
Started
All students are encouraged to meet with a co-op counselor early in their Pace
education. After completing an application and registering online at the co-op
Web site, www.pace.edu/coopcs, students meet with a counselor to discuss their
backgrounds, goals, and interests, and to explore program options. Your co-op
counselor will serve as a point person and adviser throughout your co-op experience.
Eligibility for Referral to Co-op Jobs
Undergraduate students:
■
Must be fully matriculated in a bachelor’s degree program
■
Enrolled in six or more credits while maintaining a minimum 2.5 QPA
■
May be referred for co-op positions upon completion of their freshman year.
Freshmen are encouraged to visit the co-op office and may participate in
required workshops during their second semester.
Graduate students:
■
Must be fully matriculated in a master’s, certificate, or doctoral program
■
Enrolled in six or more credits while maintaining a minimum 3.0 QPA
■
Are eligible for co-op referral as soon as they begin their graduate studies
International students:
4
■
Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) regulations permit
international students to obtain study-related employment through the
Pace Cooperative Education Program.
■
Must meet with an international student advisor on a designated campus to
review eligibility and current INS regulations. Written approval to work must
be obtained from the international student adviser prior to referral.
■
Must maintain full-time status (12 credits for bachelor’s degree candidates,
9 credits for master’s degree candidates)
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
The
Co-op
Process
6
Complete co-op evaluation, consider other co-op positions
5
Interview for and accept co-op position
4
Referral for co-op jobs online
3
2
Attend workshops, create a resume, practice interviewing
Meet with co-op counselor
1
Attend information session
Preparation
As part of the learning process, students participate in mandatory workshops
and counseling sessions with their counselor. In order to increase a student’s
opportunity to obtain a co-op position, the following workshops are offered
each semester. To view a current semester workshop schedule, visit the co-op
Web site at www. pace.edu/coopcs or log on to the Pace eRecruiting system
and click on “Calendar,” located on the top toolbar.
Workshops available include:
■
Resume Writing
■
Interviewing Techniques
■
Researching Companies and Industries
■
Correspondence and Cover Letter Writing
After attending mandatory workshops and meeting with a counselor to develop
a resume, you will be ready to begin the referral process.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
5
Cooperative
Education
Program
Student Responsibilities
As a student who wishes to participate in the Pace Cooperative Education
Program, I understand and agree to:
■
Be punctual for all appointments with co-op counselors and potential
employers, and immediately cancel or reschedule any appointment I am
unable to keep
■
Return all phone calls and messages from a co-op staff member or an
employer within 24 hours
■
Inform a co-op counselor immediately if I am contacted directly by an
employer to schedule an interview
■
Not misrepresent my experience, academic record or grades on my resume or
in communication with prospective employers
■
Notify my counselor within 24 hours of accepting a co-op position
■
Cancel any previously scheduled interviews once I have accepted a co-op position. I understand that I am no longer eligible to interview or apply for other
co-op positions until I fulfill my commitment to my current co-op employer.
■
Agree to remain in the co-op position for the equivalent of one semester or
the initial length of commitment and inform the co-op office when I leave
the position
■
Keep my co-op counselor notified of any changes that may affect my position
or eligibility for a co-op placement and update my profile on the Pace
eRecruiting database (includes QPA updates; change of phone number,
address, e-mail address; change in availability to work)
■
Keep my employer notified of any changes in my schedule and request, well in
advance, time off for exams. I will call my employer early if I must be absent
for any reason.
■
If placed in a co-op, I agree to complete my co-op evaluation form immediately
upon request.
I have read and agree to the guidelines above. I understand that co-op: (1) may
discontinue my participation in the Cooperative Education Program if I fail to
comply with any of the aforementioned requirements; (2) cannot guarantee a work
assignment for me. I understand that upon successful completion of a co-op position, a notation will be made on my transcript. I understand that if terminated by
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Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
my co-op employer for cause or if I terminate employment prior to my initial
commitment, my participation in the co-op program may be jeopardized.
I authorize the Pace Cooperative Education Program to release my resume, visa
status (if applicable), and other information to prospective employers participating
in this program.
Co-op
Referral
Once your counselor has approved your resume, you need to upload your
resume to the Pace eRecruiting system. You will then be ready to begin the
co-op self-referral process.
All current co-op positions are posted on the eRecruiting system. You should
view jobs daily and select those for which you meet the requirements and wish
to submit a resume. You will have access to co-op jobs throughout the tristate
area. Pay close attention to the location of the job.
Note: The co-op office cannot guarantee student placement
with an employer. Employers review resumes and make all
decisions regarding interviewing and hiring of students.
Alert family and roommates that you are job hunting. Make
sure your voice mail or answering machine has an appropriate,
business-like message that is short and simple. This may
be your first contact with employers, so put your best foot
forward. Once you start referring yourself to co-op jobs, you
must keep in touch with your counselor regularly.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
7
Interviewing
and
Beyond
Once your resume is forwarded to the employers you have requested, the employers
will select those candidates they wish to interview. You will be contacted for an
interview either by the co-op office or by the employer.
Return all calls immediately and inform your counselor of any and all interviews.
Be sure to leave a message on the employer’s voice mail if you fail to reach him/her.
When setting up the interview appointment, be sure to obtain all necessary
information such as:
■
Interviewer’s name and title
■
The date and time of your appointment
■
Directions to the company—don’t be afraid to ask for specifics
■
The company’s Web site address
To prepare for your interviews: attend an interviewing workshop, conduct a
mock interview session with your counselor, and be sure to review the Co-op
Interview Techniques Handbook. Conduct company research prior to your
interview. Ask the co-op office if there is any corporate literature available, if
the organization has a Web site, and if other co-op students have worked for
the organization. Attend a Researching the Company workshop, if possible.
Researching and obtaining information about a potential employer is an
extremely important part of the interview process.
What to Expect
Most co-op interviews take place at the employer’s location and should be conducted during business hours. Allow an appropriate amount of time to reach your
destination. Arrive 10--15 minutes early.
Employers are hoping to learn more about you, your qualifications, and interests.
Each employer differs in his or her style and questioning, but all are seeking to
know more about you. Refer to the Interview Techniques Handbook for specifics.
If circumstances arise making it necessary to cancel your interview, call the
employer first, then your co-op counselor.
Business attire is expected when you interview. Be conservative in your outfit and
not too casual. Bring extra copies of your resume and carry a portfolio with
resume, notepad, and pen inside.
Your goal at the interview should be to find out as much as possible about the
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Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
position and daily responsibilities while conveying your skills, achievements, and
interests. Ask many questions of your interviewer so that you can make a good
decision if you are offered the position.
After the Interview
■
Send a thank-you letter within 24 hours if you are interested in the position.
A hand written thank-you note is best, but you may wish to e-mail your
thank you for immediate delivery and then send your hand written note.
See a sample thank you in the Interview Techniques Handbook or on our Web
site under Internet Job Search.
■
Discuss with your counselor your impressions of the interview and your
performance.
■
Ask if feedback may be obtained from the employer.
Evaluating and Accepting an Offer
If you receive an offer for a co-op job, carefully consider all aspects of the position
and decide if it will meet your needs. Be sure to discuss the offer with your co-op
counselor. If you are offered a position during an interview, we recommend that
you do not accept it on the spot, rather, thank the employer and ask if you may
contact him/her within 48 hours with a response.
Policy: Once you accept an offer of co-op employment, you must cancel all
previously scheduled interviews and may no longer refer yourself for jobs
during that semester.
If you receive an offer, but have other interviews scheduled, you may ask the
employer for a few days to make your decision. Most companies will expect an
answer within one week after an offer is made.
If you do not wish to accept an offer, you may decline and continue interviewing;
however, you should consider your options carefully.
Generally, a co-op position has a set per hour salary. The Cooperative Education
Program seeks to establish this prior to posting the position on our Web site.
Inform your counselor as soon as you accept a position and establish a start date.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
9
On
the Job
When you accept a co-op position, you make a commitment to fulfill your initial
work assignment and to adhere to the policies in this handbook and the student
responsibilities contract. The success of the Co-op Education Program depends
upon your performance and paves the way for future co-op students. Your professional reputation, the reputation of the program, and ultimately, the University’s
reputation, is dependent upon the standards set by you.
On the job, co-op students are expected to:
■ Exemplify maturity, professionalism, and ethical conduct
■
Perform responsibilities defined by the employer and ask questions
when necessary
■
Adhere to the organization’s dress code and protocol
■
Be a team player and avoid office gossip and politics
■
Become familiar with company policies regarding absences, tardiness, and
time off. Immediately contact your supervisor if you are going to be late
or absent. Discuss how you can make up the time you miss.
■
Notify your counselor immediately if you are experiencing any difficulties
on the job
■
Inform your counselor when you leave a position or if you are terminated
by your employer
■
Refer your employer to the co-op office if additional positions become
available or if you are asked to recommend fellow students. All positions
developed by the Cooperative Education Program are only for students
participating in the co-op program.
Making the Most of Your Co-op Experience
The co-op staff is here to support you throughout your co-op experience and help
to make it successful. It is important that you maintain regular contact with your
counselor. We can offer guidance in handling workplace situations, and can intervene if there are issues of concern. Prior to beginning your co-op, you should
make a conscious effort to establish some learning objectives. Focus on what you
hope to gain from the job and attempt to establish concrete goals by:
10
■
Defining a skill you wish to develop or strengthen
■
Targeting a task or project that you hope to complete and plan how you will
accomplish it
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
By establishing learning objectives, you will be better able to evaluate your progress
and recognize concerns to address with your supervisor. By setting specific, measurable goals, you can get the most out of your co-op experience.
Evaluating Your Co-op Experience
Student and Employer Evaluations
After you have performed for two to three months in your co-op assignment,
you will be asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. Students are asked
to evaluate the quality of their work assignments, learning outcomes, and the
supervision and training they have received from their employers. The responses
are strictly confidential and become part of the co-op student’s file. Employers or
supervisors will also be asked to complete an evaluation about student performance and progress. Once the employer’s evaluations are received, students are
notified and employer feedback is reviewed with each student.
Deciding When to Move On
Once you have completed your initial time commitment or after a semester has
concluded, you may wish to consider seeking a new co-op work assignment. By
working in more than one co-op experience, you gain the opportunity to explore
further career directions and develop new skills. Meet with your counselor to
discuss whether your current position still meets your needs and offers potential
for increased responsibility. If you decide to move on, work with your counselor
to update your resume and identify new opportunities.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
11
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Can I earn credit for my co-op experience?
The Pace Cooperative Education Program is not an academic department and
cannot grant credit. Students seeking credit should contact their academic
department chair to determine applicable policies and requirements. Whether
you earn credit or not, successful completion of a co-op position will be noted
on your transcript.
Are all co-op jobs paid?
Most co-op students earn hourly salaries. However, some companies typically
do not pay interns but require that the student earn college. Companies may
provide a small stipend. The co-op program lists both paid and non-paid
positions on its Web site.
Will working in a co-op affect my financial aid?
Possibly. Your earnings may affect the amount of financial aid you receive since
all wages are considered when your total financial aid package is awarded. Be
sure to speak to a representative in the financial aid office about this.
Are taxes deducted?
Co-op earnings are subject to all federal, state, and local taxes. International
students should not have Social Security taxes withheld.
May I ask for a raise?
Discuss this issue with your counselor. If you have spent significant time in the
position and believe you may be entitled, based on time and your contributions,
you may want to discuss this with your supervisor.
Am I eligible for unemployment compensation?
You are not eligible to receive nor entitled to unemployment benefits during the
period you work in the Pace Cooperative Education Program.
What if I am experiencing discrimination or sexual harassment on the job?
Sexual harassment is defined as an attempt to coerce an unwilling person into
a sexual relationship, to subject a person to unwanted sexual attention, or to
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Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
punish a refusal to comply or to create a sexually intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. Sexual harassment includes a wide range of behaviors,
from the actual coercion of sexual relations to the unwelcome emphasizing of
sexual identity, verbal harassment or abuse, unwelcome sexual advances, and
unnecessary touching.
Although the University cannot compel an employer to take action in these
matters, the University will discontinue its affiliation with any co-op employer that
fails to adequately investigate and resolve meritorious claims of discrimination or
sexual harassment by a co-op student. Further, the co-op staff, in consultation
with the University’s Affirmative Action Officer, will work with you and the co-op
employer, in an attempt to insure that the matter is adequately investigated and
resolved.
You should familiarize yourself with University policies and procedures related
to discrimination and sexual harassment and the informal resources that are also
available to you at Pace, including through the counseling centers and Office of
the Ombuds. All of these are identified in the Pace University Student Handbook.
What if I need time off?
If you need time off for exams or personal reasons, ask your supervisor in advance.
If you are ill, call first thing in the morning. Co-op employers understand that you
are a student and that your schoolwork is your first priority.
Are preemployment tests given?
Policies concerning testing vary with each company. You may be asked to take
one or more tests that may include drug screening, aptitude, physical exam, and
technical competency.
As an international student, will a co-op position affect my 12
months of postgraduate practical training?
There is no limit on the amount of part-time curricular
practical training permitted prior to graduation. Be sure to
discuss with the international student adviser exactly how
practical training is calculated.
Pace University | Co-op Student Handbook | Career Services
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CO-OP EDUCATION
CAREER SERVICES