For Students

In the handbook you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions, and the steps you need to take to successfully participate in the Cooperative Education Program at Niagara University. You will also find tips on career decision-making, the job search, resume writing, professional correspondence, interviewing, making a good first impression, and business ethics.

Remember, there are two components to earning credit through the co-op program, an academic component as well as the work component.

Academic Component

You register for the co-op course in your major, pay tuition, and meet with a faculty supervisor.  Your faculty supervisor will assign additional course work, such as a paper or presentation to you, and require you to reflect on, and demonstrate what you learned on the job

Work Component

Go to work, learn as much as you can, do a good job, and get along with everybody.

In a nutshell, the steps are

• Meet with your academic advisor.
• Fill out an application at the Co-op Office.
• Make an appointment with the Co-op Coordinator to discuss placement opportunities and develop your resume.
• Finish your resume and leave it in the Co-op Office, and they will fax it to employers.  You can either submit a resume in person or e-mail it as an attachment in Microsoft Word.
• If you already have a job, submit the job description to the Co-op Office.  They will forward it to your academic department for approval.
• Interview with an employer and secure a position.
• Register for the co-op course and pay tuition.
• Complete the course requirements for your faculty supervisor.

That is an oversimplification, and no doubt you have questions. The handbook contains a list of frequently asked questions regarding co-op. It is not a comprehensive list, but it is a good place to start. Feel free to contact or visit the Co-op office if you have questions.