About Cooperative Education

Co-op FAQ

Questions and Answers for Tough Economic Times

• Should I consider co-op abroad? Is the international job market any better?
• Students are encouraged to consider co-op abroad. It is important to keep in mind that the economic crises is global in nature so the job market in other countries may have the same types of fluctuations we are experiencing here in the US. Co-op abroad can be an exciting and enriching experience for the right student. If you are interested, please contact Susan Braun, manager of International Co-op.
• So what should my expectation of co-op and the co-op job search be?
• Students should expect that the search is going to involve a lot of work on their part to secure a position that will give them valuable, practical skills. Students should expect that the SCDC will work diligently to present opportunities to students but that ultimately the students’ own motivation, resume, interviewing skills and position desired along with other factors, will determine the success of their search.
• If I am let go by my co-op employer due to the economy, will I still receive full co-op credit?
• Yes. Students who are terminated through no fault of their own may receive co-op credit. However, depending on the time of termination and other factors, the student may have to complete a job search journal and/or look for another job.
• Is there a list of employers who are aggressively hiring; despite the economic downturn?
• The SCDC does not have such a list. However, you are strongly encouraged to stay abreast of changes in the job market that affect your particular industry. The SCDC keeps a list of active co-op jobs that are always viewable if you sit down with your coordinator (right now for Spring/Summer C-round students). Consider reviewing newspapers and periodicals that highlight the economic affects within your major so that you may develop your own list of prospective companies. The SCDC subscribes to several papers and periodicals that you may use as a resource in developing your list. Also remember to network and ask people who currently work in your desired industry about any openings that might be available.
• Am I going to get a job?
• The SCDC does not guarantee that students will get a co-op. There are several opportunities made available to students to get a co-op; however in a small number of cases students do not find a job. The SCDC staff will work very closely with those students to identify ways to secure employment. In the event that a student does not find a job, there is a tool in place to allow for students to still receive co-op credit.
• Are there enough jobs in the system for all students?
• There are more jobs/positions than there are students to fill them. Some majors are more difficult than others to find employment since co-op jobs reflect the labor market.
• Since I can’t get a job, can I go back to class or submit a journal?
• Your co-op schedule is set to coincide with your financial aid plan and graduation schedule. Thus, if you lose a job, you may not resume a full-time class schedule without additional tuition costs. However, completion of the Job Search Journal process will be substituted in lieu of your Co-op.
• What fields are jobs in? What fields are losing jobs?
• There are jobs in every field, across all majors. However, the “dream” job you seek may not be available so it is a good idea to consider other positions within your field that can still give you excellent experience. In a 5COP program, you will have three opportunities to work in your field and may be able to work at your “dream” job.
• How have salaries been affected?
• Speak to your coordinator for specific salary ranges for your major.
• What can I do to enhance my job search?
• There are several things you can do to enhance your job search. Consider:
  1. Using the career library resources (pursuing an independent search)
  2. Networking with friends, families, former employers, teachers and everyone else you know to look for employment
  3. Search the internet for specific companies as well as job search sites like Monster, Career Builder, Campus Philly, OpportunityNOCS.org etc
  4. Attend on-campus info seminars/workshops sponsored by your college, the library, and the SCDC
• What support does SCDC/ Drexel offer?
• The SCDC offers a variety of workshops, career fairs, career counseling, and one-on-one meetings to help students identify, secure, and make the most of their co-op.
• Should I stay 4 year? 5 year?
• Students who opt to participate in a 5 year, 3 co-op program gain 3 times more experience in their field than students who complete only one co-op. This extended experience makes the student more marketable upon graduation.
• What can I do to prepare myself prior to co-op job search?
• There are several things that you can do to prepare yourself before your search for a co-op begins. They include:
  1. Revising/updating your resume. Consider attending a resume repair workshop offered by the SCDC
  2. Practicing your interviewing skills. Remember, your resume can get you an interview, but your interview skills can secure you a job!
  3. Researching prospective companies. Employers are impressed by students who know specifics about their company.
  4. Starting early! It’s never too early to start identifying companies and inquiring about co-op positions.
  5. Go to some of the workshops sponsored by the library and the SCDC http://www.drexel.edu/scdc/events/workshops/coop-workshops.html
• What will happen if a student is laid off during their co-op due to the economy?
• Any student that is laid off (not fired for cause) will meet with their coordinator and begin to do a job search journal that documents their job search process going forward (often leads to finding another job.
• What are average co-op salaries for students?
• You can find average salaries for most majors on the front page of our website: www.drexel.edu/scdc/. If your major isn’t on the page contact your coordinator.
• What do employers focus more on? Your resume or your interviewing skills?
• Both your resume and good interviewing skills are equally important. Your resume might get you an interview but you also need to have good interviewing skills to potentially secure the job. We encourage you to do mock interviews with your coordinator to improve your interviewing skills.
• Is work abroad only for students doing their 2nd or 3rd co-op?
• Typically students are encouraged to go abroad during their 2nd or 3rd co-op. However, 4 year students and 1st year co-ops have gone before in the past too, the approval process is done as a case-by-case basis. For more information on work abroad contact our work abroad manager, Susan Braun, at sbraun@drexel.edu