Tell me, and I'll forget. Show me, and I'll remember. Involve me, and I'll learn.
-Marla Jones
Why?:
Undergraduate professional work experience, by any name, is praised by students, faculty and employers. It is considered one of the most valuable components of a student's education. Experiential learning, which includes both cooperative education and internships, allows students to integrate classroom theory with on-the-job, hands-on work experiences.
While in the field, a student's formal education is reinforced as it is put into practice. When the student returns to the classroom, the student has a deeper understanding of the material taught and is able to enrich classroom discussion with relevant personal work experience. Meanwhile, employers are often conducting semester long "interviews" having found internships and co-op positions to be a very effective recruitment tool. Many times this results in full time employment after graduation.
When?:
Co-ops/internships are arranged on a semester basis. (Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer) Job assignments may be part-time (spring and fall) or full-time (summer and winter) and length of assignment may vary according to employers needs. The minimum number of hours that an employer must supply is 135.
Where?:
Employers from all different geographic locations can post co-op/internship positions for our students. The majority of our students are from the northeast, but some are from other parts of the country and the world and some are willing to travel for the work experience.
How?:
Post your co-op/internship job description in our online database called HAWK'S HUNT or clicking on the HAWK'S HUNT link on this web page. You must first register yourself as an employer in this database before you can begin posting positions.
Postings must include:
- Contact and company information so that interested students knowwhere to send cover letters and resumes.
- A job description about the 135 or more hours of meaningful, academically challenging (or enhancing) employment.
Details - Employers hosting an intern from RWU must:
- Fill out the performance evaluation form(s) which will be sent directly to the student's work supervisor during the semester. Completed evaluations are kept on file as well as forwarded to the student's faculty sponsor to be considered when awarding a grade for the internship experience.
- Provide the opportunity for a brief site visit to be performed if requested.
If you are interested in providing a co-op/internship opportunity, please login to HAWK'S HUNT and supply your information. Contact one of the co-op advisors with any questions.
Co-op/Internship Advisors
- Patricia Finn: Gabelli School of Business majors.
- Carolyn Tidwell: All other students participating in the Cooperative Education and Internships Program.