Co-ops and Internships
Co-ops and internships can be a great way for students to test the waters. It can lead to a job offer or graduate training program on graduation.
My daughter is in her first year of university. When I attended the parent night, I sat in on a workshop on co-operative education. The presenter and the student who spoke both raved about how the program helps students to gain valuable experience and can lead to jobs. I have to agree. I have seen companies hire interns and benefit from having interns. I have also seen interns exposed to projects and experiences that they may never have been exposed to in their entire career.
Why are companies smart to have interns? It gives them an opportunity to see the student on the job and see how they perform and fit into the culture. The internship or co-op term becomes a long job interview. It also can be a very helpful set of hands on a big project.
What are the benefits for the student? They too get to test out the company but also the industry and the type of work. Most internships and co-ops give students valuable access to company experts as coaches. If not a job, it provides an excellent reference for the student.
I hope my daughter signs up for the co-op term. It is her decision, of course, but I do see the value in testing the waters in a potential new career. She is taking sciences so it means an opportunity to work with researchers or companies on the forefront in advances in science. Opening the door to a great employer is not always easy and this training and PD option can open that door wide!
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