What is Cooperative Education?

Cooperative Education (Co-op) is a supervised educational program for students which integrates periods of academic study with periods of paid, professional work experience. The work assignments are closely related to the student's academic program. The co-op experience prepares students for professional work experience in business, industry and government agencies.

There are two types of co-op schedules to accommodate both the student's needs and the employer's needs. One type of schedule allows you to alternate periods of work and school. The second schedule, referred to as parallel, allows you to work part-time and attend classes part-time. The employer will determine the type of schedule desired. Most co-op opportunities follow the alternating schedule.

What are the advantages of participating in Cooperative Education?

• Enables you to retain full-time student status for academic purposes
• Enhances classroom learning and adds meaning to your academic studies by integrating academic theory and real world work experience
• Provides a means of earning money to help with college expenses
• Confirms or redirects career decision-making by allowing you to "try out" a career
• Provides contact with potential future employers and builds your professional reference list
• Helps you develop job-related skills
• Exposes you to the professional world of work
• Teaches valuable job search skills, such as job searching techniques, resume writing and interviewing
• Helps you to enhance important professional skills, such as communication, interpersonal, computer, teamwork and leadership
• Develops maturity and confidence
• Often leads to permanent job offers and higher starting salaries

How do I qualify for the Cooperative Education program?

To qualify, you must have completed thirty (30) hours of credit applicable toward your degree and have maintained a minimum 2.5 GPA. Individual academic colleges may establish higher credit hours and/or GPA requirements. Students must receive approval from their college BEFORE you accept a position.

How do I apply for the Cooperative Education program?

Once you have located an appropriate co-op opportunity, you must make an appointment with Kim Billeaudeau in the Career Services office, by calling (337) 482-1444 or by email at careerservices@louisiana.edu. At that time, you will receive all necessary paperwork and the procedures and requirements will be explained further.