PREPARING FOR STUDENT SUCCESS
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
CO-OP
EDUCATE MENTOR
EM FO PL R OY ER S
ENGAGE
T OD AY ’ S JOB M A R K E T I S E X T R E M E LY COM P E T I T I V E .
EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR MORE As you know, today’s job market is extremely competitive for new graduates. You are looking for more than just a degree from those you hire. You want a candidate who has both the strong education and work experience in their desired field. The Information Systems (IS) Co-Op will help students from the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University achieve their goals of a career in Computer Information Science or Information Systems and Technology. The IS Co-Op is a formal, accredited academic program that integrates classroom theory with work experience. A student alternates semesters of work and study, beginning the summer after their freshman year. The student will complete a minimum of two and a maximum of four Co-Op semesters. The degree will be completed in five years with the equivalent of at least one year of meaningful IS/IT experience.
STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Complete at least two semesters of IS coursework prior to the first Co-Op semester.
Provide meaningful, challenging work assignments, closely related to the student’s chosen IS/IT field.
Complete a career orientation course prior to the first Co-Op semester.
If possible, begin planning your Co-Op needs a minimum of one-year in advance. The IS Co-Op coordinator can provide numbers of available students and resumes to assist in your planning.
Apply to the IS Co-Op program as early as freshman year. Prepare and begin position search up to one-year prior to the first Co-Op semester While at the Co-Op position, work full-time (40 hours per week). Complete a minimum of two Co-Op semesters, following an alternating work/study sequence (see tables at right). During the Co-Op semesters, register and successfully complete the IS Cooperative Education Experience course. Course duties include the preparation of Co-Op objectives, a final report approved by the employer and evaluations of the Co-Op experience by the student and work supervisor.
Submit a detailed position description to the IS Co-Op coordinator. Make offers during the semester prior to the student’s availability to begin the assignment (or earlier). Provide full-time employment for the duration of the semester, adhering to the alternating work/study semester requirement. Pay a wage commensurate with experience. While the employer makes the hiring and salary decision, the Co-Op coordinator can provide current Co-Op salary information based upon industry best practices, experience and academic classification. Resumes of available students who meet the position qualifications will be made available and on-campus interviewing may be arranged. Maintain communication with the IS Co-Op coordinator regarding scheduled interviews, pending offers and job acceptances. Mentor, supervise and formally evaluate the student to enhance their learning and professional development.
THAN JUST A DEGREE. CO-OP JANUARY THROUGH JUNE STUDENT’S YEAR
SUMMER II JULY - AUG
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER I:
SEPT - DEC
JAN - MAY
MAY - JUNE
Year 1 (Freshman)
Courses
Courses
Year 2 (Sophomore)
Courses
Co-Op
Co-Op
Year 3 (Pre-Junior)
Courses
Courses
Co-Op
Co-Op
Year 4 (Junior)
Courses
Courses
Co-Op
Co-Op
Year 5 (Senior)
Courses
Courses
Courses
CO-OP JULY THROUGH DECEMBER STUDENT’S YEAR
SUMMER II JULY - AUG
FALL
SPRING
SUMMER I:
SEPT - DEC
JAN - MAY
MAY - JUNE
Year 1 (Freshman)
Courses
Courses
Year 2 (Sophomore)
Courses
Courses
Courses
Year 3 (Pre-Junior)
Co-Op
Co-Op
Courses
Courses
Year 4 (Junior)
Co-Op
Co-Op
Courses
Courses
Year 5 (Senior)
Co-Op
Co-Op
Courses
WHY BECOME A PARTNER COMPANY? Students are prepared with at least two semesters of relevant coursework Discover and connect with new talent Evaluate skills of students for potential future positions
Keep the best and brightest Information Systems talent in Cleveland Help students acquire real-world experience Create a talent pipeline to for your company
HELP S T UDEN T S ACHIE V E T HEIR CA REER GOA L S.
BECOME A CO-OP PARTNER COMPANY. If you are interested in becoming an Information Systems Co-Op partner company, have questions or need more information, please contact: DR. SHAREN BAKKE, IS Co-Op Coordinator 216-875-9803
s.bakke@csuohio.edu
STUDENT & EMPLOYER WEEKLY TIMELINE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 EMPLOYERS submit Co-Op positions
EMPLOYERS schedule interviews
EMPLOYERS select candidates and make offers
EMPLOYERS INTERVIEW STUDENTS
STUDENTS apply for Co-op
STUDENTS apply for positions
STUDENTS begin Co-Op
STUDENTS negotiate and accept offers
www.csuohio.edu/business/information-systems/co-op-experience
1860 E. 18TH STREET · CLEVELAND, OH 44115