Jenzabar University

CPS 298 - Pre-Cooperative Education Seminar

The Pre Cooperative Education Seminar is a required preparatory course designed to provide students with the necessary structure, resources, and support to successfully secure and engage in their cooperative education experience. Students will learn about the attitudes, skills and behaviors expected by employers. They will develop an understanding of Cooperative Education policies, procedures and requirements. Students will prepare an effective cover letter and resume, practice interview skills, job search strategies and learn how to self-market for a successful co-op experience and post-graduate job search.

* Students can register for CPS 298 through Advising, their assigned advisor or self-registration on The "Q"

Your success in this course depends on the completion of all 4 modules.

A. Resume and Resume Critique
B. Interviewing
C. Workplace Etiquette
D. Co-op Orientation

These modules will be completed online through Blackboard.
(You must complete the module for each section and score at least 80% to pass
it; you can take it three times. The assessments will not show up until you have
completed all of the requirements in each section.)

**Workshops can be completed in any order however; it is recommended that the Co-op
orientation be the last workshop.

• Students must create an online account on QCC’s job board “Handshake" 
• At the completion of all four assessment modules, students will receive a grade of (Pass “P”) from Career Services (CS)
• Upon completion of CPS 298, students will then be able to register for 299   

Most students can elect a cooperative education study option. It can be used as an elective in some academic programs, a requirement in others. A student can earn up to nine credits in cooperative education toward their degree.

The co-op staff assists with job development to assess individual student skills, abilities, and aspirations and matches employer needs with student interest and ability to create a mutually valuable work/education experience. To earn credits, students work a specified number of hours per week during the semester; develop a Learning Agreement that articulates the academic outcomes upon which their credit evaluation is based; meet with their co-op advisor, where they discuss their work activities, college studies, and career interests.

Participation in Cooperative Education

You can participate in QCC's co-op when:

ALL CO-OP STUDENTS MUST BE REGISTERED on HANDSHAKE

• Upload an approved resume and complete online co-op application through Handshake, uploading all completed forms (including weekly timesheets) from Co-op Handbook on Handshake
  
• Faculty member overseeing co-op will monitor students’ progress since no hard copy forms are maintained
• Faculty have the ability to monitor and validate completion of co-op requirements on Handshake using their login
• you are enrolled in a QCC program that requires a co-op
• you have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
• the employment position is directly related to your academic program
• you have completed at least 24 credits toward your major

* Individual departments may require that a certain number of these credits or specific courses in the major be completed at QCC prior to participating in experience-based learning.

Cooperative Education provides:

1. Meaningful Experience
   Cooperative Education at QCC will give you the chance to work in your field - in time to make meaningful adjustments to your academic and career plans. Because you work full- or part-time in a job directly related to your major, you gain professional experience that makes you more competitive in the job market. In fact, many co-op jobs turn into full time jobs after graduation.
2. Academic Credit
   Cooperative Education at QCC is an academic program. You can earn 3-6 academic credits for co-op toward your QCC degree. Co-op students are required to work 15-20 hours per week in a job related to their academic program. Learning goals and objectives are established which are the basis for credit and your final grade.
   If you are already working in your field, your job may be appropriate for co-op.
3. Convenience
   Cooperative Education fits your schedule. At QCC, part or full time co-op jobs can begin at any time during the year. You can try out Cooperative Education for just one term or participate for several co-op semesters, advancing in skills and seniority.

Disney College Program

The Walt Disney World College program is a unique opportunity to learn, work, and live for a semester at Walt Disney World in Florida and join students from all over the world.  This paid internship is open to students in all majors and provides an opportunity to build your resume, be trained, mentored and network with top Disney leaders while learning skills that can be applied to any career.