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SUNY Works Benefits Students
Research shows that cooperative education and internships offer a number of academic and personal benefits to students.
Academic Benefits: improved learning, improved problem-solving skills, improved motivation to learn, improved classroom performance, higher retention rate, and increased ability to finance tuition
Personal Benefits: increased autonomy, increased self-efficacy, increased sense of purpose, increased self confidence, and increased teamwork, cooperation, relationship-building skills
The track record for cooperative education in universities across the United States shows that students participating in co-ops are more likely than non-co-op students to:
- Achieve a higher grade point average (GPA) while attending school,
- Persist in their studies, including in STEM disciplines,
- Graduate with less debt,
- Receive job offers from their co-op employer, and
- Earn more money in their chosen career.
Why Should You Participate in an internship or cooperative education experience?
- To acquire the work related experience that employers value.
- Earn income that does not count against your federal financial aid.
- Strengthen your candidacy for post graduation jobs or graduate school.
- Earn a higher post-graduation salary compared to non-co-op or non-internship students.
- Have confidence that your degree is relevant in the current job market.
- Meet and network with people in your career field before you graduate.
- Enjoy the advice and guidance from both a faculty advisor and workplace mentor.
- Graduate with less student debt.
- Apply prior work experience toward your degree requirements.
LIMITLESS POTENTIAL..... LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES!
- Interning in your field of study will allow your resume to stand out amongst your peers.
- Everyone you meet through your work experiences are now in your network of professional contacts.
- Co-op will provide you with "paid" opportunities and progressive learning environments, integrating "theory" and "practice".
- Internships can be paid or unpaid!
How do I get involved?
Contact your Career Development Center on your campus or e-mail SUNYWorks@suny.edu
