Cooperative Education at North Lake College

Earn While You Learn

"A Business/Education Partnership"

What is a Co-op?

Cooperative Education (co-op) is a method of instruction that offers students the opportunity to earn academic college credit and income while applying what is learned in the classroom to a realistic work setting.  Co-op is required for Management majors and can be used as an elective in most other majors.  If you are unsure as to WHICH co-op you should enroll in, please contact Gemmy Allen at gemmyallen@dcccd.edu  or (972) 273-3072 or Jim White at jwhite1@dcccd.edu or (972) 273-3466.

Course Description:

Career-related activities encountered in the student's area of specialization offered through an individualized agreement amont the college, employer, and student. Under the supervision of he college and the employer, the student combines classroom learning ith work experience. Includes a lecture component.

Who can enroll in a Co-op?

You must be currently employed and working at least 15 hours per week in any business-related field to be eligible to enroll. There are a sequence of 4 Management Co-ops. These should be taken sequentially. Students are only allowed to be enrolled in one Co-op course per semester! Contact Gemmy Allen or Jim White immediately if you have any questions concerning enrollment.

How does a Co-op work?

First you complete the orientation either ONLINE or, if you prefer, in person at North Lake College.  Then, you and your employer set up goals that you will accomplish on the job during the semester.  Your supervisor monitors your progress toward the goals and at the end of the semester completes a formal evaluation with the instructor.  You also complete seminar assignments online.  These are emailed to your instructor for grading.  At the end of the semester, your grade is based on the completion of your work goals and your seminar assignment grades.

Why choose a Co-op?

Working while enrolled in college is the best way to begin your career.  According to a recent survey among graduates, 56% named cooperative work experience as the most important factor in gaining employment.  Nothing else was even close.  Co-op helps you get work experience before graduation.  Companies prefer to hire individuals with relevant work experience and individuals who have experience can expect to have a distinct advantage when interviewing for a permanent job.  Once hired, your chances for promotion and salary increases will be greatly enhanced.

Student's Benefits:

• Access to professionals
• Increased corporate awareness
• Improved interpersonal communication skills
• Competence-based confidence
• Enhanced career opportunities

Employer's Benefits:

• Talented and motivated students willing to take on complex projects
• A pool of technically trained employees from which to fill future positions
• Reduced recruitment and training costs
• Opportunities to evaluate students for permanent positions, thus reducint employee turnover

Important Links

The following links contain forms and information relating to the Co-op program and are used by all DCCC colleges.

The Dallas County Community College External Learning Experiences (ELE) STUDENT HANDBOOK can be found online at http://www.dcccd.edu/vcea/workf/ele_student_handbook.htm

Co-op Application

http://www.eastfieldcollege.com/bis/coop/applicat.htm

Co-op Training Station Agreement

http://www.eastfieldcollege.com/bis/coop/training_station_agreement.htm

Co-op Evaluation (Part A)

http://www.eastfieldcollege.com/bis/coop/evaluation_part_a.htm

Guidelines for completing Evaluation Part A

http://www.eastfieldcollege.com/bis/coop/evaluation_part_a_how.htm

Co-op Evaluation (Part B)

http://www.eastfieldcollege.com/bis/coop/evaluation_part_b.htm

Contact Us

For additional information regarding cooperative education in Business, Management, or Marketing, contact Gemmy Allen at (972) 273-3072 or Jim White at (972) 273-3466.