Information I have learned so far....

Notes from Talk with Dr. Bereman 11/1/10

All students have the opportunity to participate in Co/op education program placement. (This is a whole other department). She tells students that they should not find just any job make sure there is something directly related to your field. Most of the intro- level classes, 1 hr orientation class, and faculty announce opportunities if that faculty member receives or hears about them. There are also opportunities for internships for example small non-profit contacted Dr. Bereman to see if she had any students that she would recommend but the student gets that experience and can get 1hr credit. These are usually not as much organized and again depend on facility contacts

A professional organization like SHRM- HR group- allows networking, and if student is elected to be an officer then there is the opportunity for networking. There is also the prospect for organization and facility group activities.

The student is responsible to be active in the community and also it is important for them to get involved in planning and executing projects.

Projects in classes for local business usually happen in upper-division courses and discipline specific classes. However, every class has a project that is as close to real life as possible. For example Dr. Bereman’s upper-level HR class designs a selection process and the purpose is to build a portfolio.

With the economy being down, co-op jobs where once at 4-5 co-ops a semester to were she would help facilitate to now just one.
Projects from business are always touch–n-go, but really business are not utilizing as much as they should be.


Notes for Talk with Supervisor Terry Fleetwood

It is important to get that “hands on” experience and if possible get letter of recommendation at the end.
Shadowing is okay but getting that “real world” is much better
Class projects that are then used for local business are always a plus especially if related to the position you are applying for, play it up make your work experience work for you.
Build a portfolio find a business and do a marketing plan/ survey/ doing xyz for that company.
Having required hours would help a student but schools really need to help facilitate so you are getting creditable source.
The plus for the business is that this is free labor and it also helps that supervisor test out a possible candidates.
Mr. Fleetwood did a degree completion program thru Friends and the plus there is that classes are taught by local business professionals that have years of experience in their fields. So you can also network and build up those relationships.