What is Cooperative Education?
Commonly known as a “co-op”, it provides academic credit for a structured job experience which is supervised by a Faculty Program Coordinator. It is a college experience in which students work part-time, acquiring academic credit along with on-the-job training directly related to their academic major and career interest. Students will register and pay for a Co-op.
What is an internship?
An internship is a career-related work experience during which a student assumes a meaningful, challenging role outside the traditional college environment. Internships are mutually beneficial to both employer and student, however, there must be a mentoring component to fulfill the requirements of a college internship. Internships are more flexible than Co-ops since they are not tied to an academic semester. Start date and end date is determined by employer and student.
What are the advantages of hiring a college intern?
RVCC interns bring the latest skill sets to the workplace, along with their enthusiasm and motivation. In combining college coursework with hands-on experience in their chosen career, they develop abilities in not only their specific field of study, but also in communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work in a team environment. The internship experience provides a win-win for both the employer and the student.
There is never any charge for an employer to post an internship or job opportunity with RVCC.
Criteria for Internship Positions:
- Job duties must be quality-based, for the purpose of practical instruction in the student's chosen field of study/career. Menial work is not acceptable.
- A mentoring component is essential to the internship experience.
- Student interns will be expected to follow established company rules and regulations which have been clearly stated and presented to the student in writing.
- Hours of work and rate of pay will be decided between the intern and the company and clearly stated in writing.
- Placement can be short-term, long-term, and indefinite or internship-to-direct hire.
- Interns will never be asked to skip a class in order to meet employer demands.
- Should any problems arise with the intern, the company must immediate notify Alicia Hermo-Weaver at 908-526-1200 x8213 or Alicia.Hermo-Weaver@raritanval.edu.
Employer Benefits
- Academically trained, enthusiastic students who are amenable to training and criticism
- Quality candidates for temporary or seasonal positions.
- Establishment of a relationship with RVCC Career Services and receive assistance with other placement needs.
- Reduced training and recruitment costs.
- Provides the opportunity to evaluate potential employers with long-term commitment.
- Helps employers with seasonal needs, short term research studies and special projects.
- Frees up professional staff to maximize their contributions and pursue other projects.
- Open opportunities for future college/employer collaboration.
- Year round source of highly motivated pre-professionals.
- Students bring new perspectives to old problems.
- Marketing tool for your company enhancing visibility of your organization.