Cooperative Work/Study Internship Experience
John A. Logan College has received a grant as part of the Illinois Cooperative Work Study Program. This grant will enable a student to participate in 240 hours of work beginning with job shadowing and progress to specific skills development. This work experience is gained through cooperation with area businesses and industries.
The business or industry that is willing ot participate provides the students with paid work experience. The employer pays the students during the 240 hours of work at a pay rate of the employer's choice. The pay must be at least minimum wage. The business must keep a record of the the student's hours and submit documentation of hours worked at the end of the internship. The business will then be reimbursed by John A. Logan College for 50% of the wages paid for those 240 hours.
Benefits of Co-Op
Enrolling in co-op gives you the "competitive edge" by providing real-world experience while your taking classes towards a degree or certificate. These days more employers are looking for graduates who already have experience in their fields, so to compete for jobs you'll need the competitive edge that co-op offers.
Co-op is a win-win situation in which both student and employers benefit. Co-op students are able to explore career options and test their classroom skills in real-life learning situations. Co-op employers build a pool of tested and proven job candidates for current or future openings.
To Apply
- Attach to the application a paragraph no longer than 200 words describing your career goals and why receiving an internship with an area employer is important to you.
- Complete a typed resume
- The resume should be typed without errors.
- Make your resume as visually appealing and as reader-friendly as possible. Most employers look at resumes for less than 60 seconds. Your resume should name the type of position sought (example: an internship as a draftsperson)
- Name the skills you can offer an employer (example: a position in which I can contribute strong oral and written communication skills).
- List previous work experiences, stress responsibilities that relate to the position you are seeking. Most employers are interested in seeing that you've had actual work experience whether or not it relates to your current objective.
- Have one of the instructors in your career area write a letter of recommendation.
- Submit the application, resume, typed paragraph and a letter of recommendation from instructor to the Cooperative Work/Study Coordinator, Cheryl Diedrick in Room G204.
Co-op Expectations
Co-op expects professional behavior from the co-op student. As professionals, students must treat their employers respectfully by giving appropriate notification of absences or termination.
Employer Expectations
Company Policies
Students must conform with policies, procedures, and safety rules; and must work scheduled times.
Supervision
Students will be supervised at the work site and will be responsible for performance and punctuality. If a student does not perform to the satisfaction of an employer and/or Co-op, he or she may be dismissed from the program.
Finding a Position
Once you have been approved by the Cooperative Work Study Coordinator, the coordinator will attempt to place you with an employer that matches your needs.
Many students search for their own internships directly. However all placements and employers must be approved by the Cooperative Work Study Coordinator before beginning an internship.
Interviewing
The employer will form an impression of you based on your interview.
- Dress appropriately
- Ask questions about the company and the specific task an intern will be required to perform.
- Be honest about the commitment you can make. Know your schedule for the next few months.
- Promptly send a follow-up thank you letter.
Accepting a Position
If you are offered a position with an employer and accept, notify your Cooperative Work Study Coordinator immediately. The Co-op office will initiate the necessary paper work.
- 700 Logan College Road
- Carterville, Illinois 62918
- (618) 985-3741 All Telephone Numbers