Internships and co-ops have become the leading recruitment tool that many employers use today. Many employers hire only from their internship or co-op pool of students, never announcing entry-level positions.
What is an Internship or Co-op?
An internship is a structured educational experience, which incorporates productive work experience as a regular part of a college student's curriculum. An internship is a partnership between the student, employer and the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. Through this experience, students are provided the opportunity to improve their basic work skills, explore care choices, and develop professional competence, and witness classroom theories and principles being applied in real world situations.
Through an internship you will learn more about a particular field and gain real world work experience. In return, the employer benefits by having an intelligent, creative and enthusiastic employee who can make a meaningful contribution to the employer's organization.
Why Participate in an Internship or Co-op?
You will find that an internship or co-op will provide you with the following benefits and is strongly encouraged, if not required, by various degree programs.
- Explore career goals and options
- Develop new skills you can apply in the workplace
- Gain skills that will enhance your resume and increase your career options
- Explore a business or agency and observe the task and responsibilities preformed daily by professionals
- Experience workplace culture, politics, and business etiquette
- Discover a career or new interest
- Receive active coaching from a mentor
- Create a professional networking system
- Make a difference in an organization
- Prepare for the job market and gain the "experience required"
- Internships and co-ops often lead to permanent employment
Note: Inquire with your degree program as to the requirements and criteria for application into an internship or co-op program.
How to Obtain an Internship or Co-op?
Consider following these tips to secure an internship or co-op:
- Choose two or three career fields that interest you and visit the Career Center or print the Ideal Internship Worksheet and Guidelines to a Successful Internship or Co-op. Feel free to make an appointment with a Career Consultant at 608-342-1183 to discuss the worksheets.
- Create a resume, register with Pioneer Career Network and upload your resume in the Pioneer Career Network system.
- Consider scheduling an appointment to discuss your internship options with a Career Consultant at 608-342-1183.
- Visit the Career Center to explore career related files and electronic and paper resources.
- Review hyperlinks to internship sites: Career Links- Internships/Summer/Volunteer Experiences
- Discuss your internship or co-op interest with your faculty advisor or internship/co-op coordinator.
- Conduct employer research on potential employers that are of interest.
- Target specific employers by contacting them to see if an internship or co-op is an option.
Note: Inquire with your degree program as to the requirements and criteria for application into an internship or co-op program.
Other Experiential Learning Opportunities
Listed are other options to explore a career and build your resume.
- Explore Faculty-Student Research
- Learn about Service Learning options
- Participate in a Study Abroad and International Exchange Programs
- Look for part-time employment related to your career interest through the Office of Financial Aid and explore Summer and Camp job opportunities