cab 2010 cooperative education
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Cooperative Education and Internships:
Career Services Corporate Advisory Board June 2010
Our co-op students worked in 23 different states
As recently as the 1999-2000 school year, 43% ofthe students worked on co-ops in Michigan, 24% in Wisconsin, and 11% in Minnesota. The remaining students (22%) worked in 23 other states.
This past year, 29% worked in Michigan, 34% worked in Wisconsin, 5% worked in Minnesota, and 6% worked in Illinois.
The remaining students (26%) worked in 19 other states, and four foreign countries (China, Ecuador, Germany, and India).
Enrollment in the co-op program was down 50% compared to 2007-2008. Factors that impacted this decrease:
1) Summer participation was down 64%. Students may have decided not to register their summer work experience as a co-op to save paying for the academic credits, which in many cases would not count toward their academic program.
2) The economy (national and global) placed many companies into a situation where they needed to cut back on hiring students.
Companies Recruiting MTU Co-ops125 at Fall 2008 Career Day 55 at 2009 Winter Job Fair 70 at Fall 2009 Career Fair42 at 2010 Spring Career Fair
Companies Recruiting MTU Interns 186 at Fall 2008 Career Day75 at 2009 Winter Job Fair98 at Fall 2009 Career Fair61 at Spring 2010 Career Fair
Average hourly salary was down
Chemical Engineering showed an increase from $18.03/hour in 2008-09 to $18.67/hour
Civil Engineers went from $13.58/hour in 2008-09 to $13.40
Mechanical Engineers went from $18.47/hour in 2008-09 to $17.45/hour
Electrical Engineers experienced the largest decrease, going from $21.40/hour in 2008-09 to $19.07
On a positive note, the same percentage of graduating seniors(18.7%) went out on a co-op assignment this past year as those who graduated during the 2008-09 school year
As signs of economic recovery turn more positive, we can onlyhope that companies and organizations make room in their budgets for returning to hiring levels of past years
Update on ChallengesDevelop proposal for “no-tuition” co-op at Michigan TechTiming not right for removing a source of revenue
Explore the development of Co-op Program OptionsIncomplete, staffing issues Commitment from employers, economic crisis revealed challenges of requiring co-opDemand not apparent, status quo satisfactory
Programming Note
E Forms:RegistrationProgress EvaluationsFinal Evaluations
“Our Co-ops Do That” http://www.career.mtu.edu/coop/our-students/
2009 National Internship and Co-op Study Survey
Michigan Tech Student Response
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average TotalI could go back and live with my parents if I needed to.
12.0%25
10.6%22
22.6%47
38.5%80
16.3%34
3.4 208
I do not have a well-defined career plan.
15.4%32
35.1%73
27.4%57
19.2%40
2.9%6
2.6 208
I believe I still have a few years to try out different jobs before I settle down into a career.
4.8%10
23.1%48
26.0%54
34.6%72
11.5%24
3.3 208
Marriage is not a high priority for me at this time.
9.1%19
19.7%41
24.0%50
27.4%57
19.7%41
3.3 208
If I can’t find a job that I like, I would probably work on another college degree.
13.9%29
17.8%37
29.8%62
31.7%66
6.7%14
3.0 208
I am pressured by my family to find a steady job.
15.9%33
21.6%45
28.8%60
26.9%56
6.7%14
2.9 208
My parent(s) could help me financially if I search for a good job.
16.8%35
18.8%39
26.9%56
33.2%69
4.3%9
2.9 208
I would rather try out different work experiences than settle down into one job.
6.7%14
19.7%41
35.1%73
33.7%70
4.8%10
3.1 208
I would be willing to endure frequent job changes in order to find a job that fits my interests and abilities.
3.4%7
27.9%58
26.0%54
37.5%78
5.3%11
3.1 208
I believe I still have a few years to be single before I settle down and get married.
5.8%12
13.9%29
18.8%39
34.6%72
26.9%56
3.6 208
My parent(s) can help me find a job.
16.3%34
30.8%64
28.8%60
21.2%44
2.9%6
2.6 208
Rate each item according to how you feel at this point in your life as you look toward your future after college.
I’m not sure what kind of job would be perfect for me.
9.6%20
36.1%75
17.8%37
29.8%62
6.7%14
2.9 208
I can live at home while I try out different jobs.
19.7%41
22.1%46
26.9%56
26.4%55
4.8%10
2.7 208
I view a job primarily as a way to support a good lifestyle and leisure interests.
5.3%11
17.3%36
27.4%57
38.5%80
11.5%24
3.3 208
My parent(s) are involved in assisting me with various aspects of my work.
25.0%52
30.8%64
29.3%61
13.0%27
1.9%4
2.4 208
If I can’t find a good job, I would probably take some time off to travel and experience life.
21.2%44
22.6%47
24.0%50
24.0%50
8.2%17
2.8 208
If I accepted one job offer; and a better one came along, I would have no problems in telling the first company that I changed my mind and would take the better offer.
6.3%13
34.6%72
29.8%62
22.1%46
7.2%15
2.9 208
My parent(s) are involved in my career decisions.
22.1%46
26.0%54
27.4%57
20.7%43
3.8%8
2.6 208
Trying out different jobs can help me sort out what kind of work I want to do.
2.9%6
9.6%20
25.0%52
47.6%99
14.9%31
3.6 208
I can’t imagine what my life will be like 10 years from now.
11.1%23
31.3%65
19.2%40
29.8%62
8.7%18
2.9 208
Rate each item according to how you feel at this point in your life as you
look toward your future after college (continued from previous slide).
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average Total
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average Total
To earn money1.0%1
6.2%6
33.0%32
41.2%40
18.6%18
3.7 97
To be given a realistic preview of the world of work
1.0%1
2.1%2
16.5%16
42.3%41
38.1%37
4.1 97
To explore a new organization4.1%4
15.5%15
34.0%33
27.8%27
18.6%18
3.4 97
To become better prepared to be employed in a specific field
13.4%13
42.3%41
44.3%43
4.3 97
To explore a new industry4.1%4
9.3%9
30.9%30
38.1%37
17.5%17
3.6 97
To receive a full-time job offer from an employer
4.1%4
9.3%9
29.9%29
22.7%22
34.0%33
3.7 97
To experience work at a potential full-time employer
9.3%9
20.6%20
39.2%38
30.9%30
3.9 97
To learn new skills2.1%2
9.3%9
41.2%40
47.4%46
4.3 97
To receive college credit28.9%28
24.7%24
27.8%27
12.4%12
6.2%6
2.4 97
To take part in community service
30.9%30
17.5%17
28.9%28
16.5%16
6.2%6
2.5 97
To make professional contacts for future networking
5.2%5
24.7%24
36.1%35
34.0%33
4.0 97
To live in a specific area28.9%28
14.4%14
28.9%28
18.6%18
9.3%9
2.6 97
To fulfill degree requirements30.9%30
15.5%15
25.8%25
21.6%21
6.2%6
2.6 97
To gain hands-on work experience
2.1%2
6.2%6
25.8%25
66.0%64
4.6 97
Please rate the importance of each factor below in relation to how important each was in your decision to pursue an internship / co-op. (When you rate the factors, please do not rate them all the same.)
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average Total
Interesting assignments4.4%4
18.7%17
40.7%37
36.3%33
4.1 91
People I would be working with
9.9%9
27.5%25
39.6%36
23.1%21
3.8 91
Reputation of the organization
1.1%1
8.8%8
39.6%36
42.9%39
7.7%7
3.5 91
Prestige of the job title13.2%12
25.3%23
37.4%34
19.8%18
4.4%4
2.8 91
Ability to establish my career path
6.6%6
30.8%28
35.2%32
27.5%25
3.8 91
Regular hours7.7%7
12.1%11
31.9%29
38.5%35
9.9%9
3.3 91
Limited overtime27.5%25
19.8%18
30.8%28
20.9%19
1.1%1
2.5 91
Competitive starting salary
1.1%1
7.7%7
28.6%26
41.8%38
20.9%19
3.7 91
Potential for promotions or advancements
1.1%1
8.8%8
24.2%22
49.5%45
16.5%15
3.7 91
Fun and friendly work environment
4.4%4
28.6%26
41.8%38
25.3%23
3.9 91
Future earning potential2.2%2
4.4%4
26.4%24
46.2%42
20.9%19
3.8 91
Good benefits (health insurance, vacation)
2.2%2
1.1%1
19.8%18
47.3%43
29.7%27
4.0 91
Flexible work hours4.4%4
11.0%10
45.1%41
31.9%29
7.7%7
3.3 91
Guidance and support from supervisor
1.1%1
9.9%9
29.7%27
45.1%41
14.3%13
3.6 91
Location6.6%6
13.2%12
26.4%24
33.0%30
20.9%19
3.5 91
Opportunities to learn new skills
5.5%5
17.6%16
46.2%42
30.8%28
4.0 91
Being able to work independently
4.4%4
14.3%13
45.1%41
28.6%26
7.7%7
3.2 91
How important would the following be in your decision to accept an offer of employment from your internship / co-op organization?
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average Total
An organization that values the work of students like me.
1.0%1
3.1%3
19.6%19
38.1%37
38.1%37
4.1 97
An organization where full-time employees treat students with the same level of professionalism as other fulltime employees.
1.0%1
4.1%4
15.5%15
47.4%46
32.0%31
4.1 97
An organization that promotes a culturally diverse work environment.
18.6%18
17.5%17
32.0%31
21.6%21
10.3%10
2.9 97
An organization that provides training opportunities.
3.1%3
12.4%12
51.5%50
33.0%32
4.1 97
An organization that offers interns feedback on the performance.
1.0%1
7.3%7
17.7%17
36.5%35
37.5%36
4.0 96
An organization that accepts feedback regarding the internship from the student.
3.1%3
13.4%13
28.9%28
36.1%35
18.6%18
3.5 97
How important are (were) the following in deciding which internship / co-op to participate in?
Item 1 2 3 4 5 Average Total
Majority of work assignment will be related to my academic program.
2.1%2
10.3%10
36.1%35
33.0%32
18.6%18
3.6 97
The amount of work I am assigned will keep me busy.1.0%1
7.2%7
30.9%30
46.4%45
14.4%14
3.7 97
Work will be interesting and challenging.4.1%4
21.6%21
42.3%41
32.0%31
4.0 97
An opportunity to work in a small group or team.2.1%2
12.4%12
37.1%36
34.0%33
14.4%14
3.5 97
Assignment will help me develop my skills and abilities.4.1%4
13.4%13
44.3%43
38.1%37
4.2 97
Work that will be completed will be related to my career goals.
7.2%7
23.7%23
50.5%49
18.6%18
3.8 97
An opportunity to work independently (on my own).2.1%2
11.3%11
45.4%44
28.9%28
12.4%12
3.4 97
The opportunity to assume additional responsibilities as experience increases.
2.1%2
40.2%39
38.1%37
19.6%19
3.8 97
The assignment will allow me to explore various career options.
2.1%2
15.5%15
32.0%31
37.1%36
13.4%13
3.4 97
Assignment will introduce me to other areas within the organization.
7.2%7
42.3%41
41.2%40
9.3%9
3.5 97
Organization will offer competitive pay.2.1%2
10.3%10
32.0%31
39.2%38
16.5%16
3.6 97
Work environment will be pleasant and cooperative.3.1%3
20.6%20
44.3%43
32.0%31
4.1 97
Assignment will provide sufficient level of responsibility.2.1%2
36.1%35
47.4%46
14.4%14
3.7 97
My work will be supervised.2.1%2
13.4%13
43.3%42
29.9%29
11.3%11
3.4 97
Supervisor will offer feedback on my performance.6.2%6
34.0%33
37.1%36
22.7%22
3.8 97
The following list describes various aspects of the how your internship / co-op assignment could be structured. Please rate the importance of each to your overall experience.
Item Count Percent %Free parking 65 79.27%Social events for interns to meet one another
43 52.44%
Transportation stipend 25 30.49%Internship work counts towards time worked if job offer is extended
22 26.83%
Partial relocation assistance 20 24.39%Complete relocation assistance 19 23.17%Fitness center membership 19 23.17%Partial housing assistance 19 23.17%Sporting event tickets 18 21.95%Discounted organization merchandise or services
17 20.73%
Free organization merchandise or services
17 20.73%
Complete housing assistance 15 18.29%Uniform stipend 14 17.07%Vacation pay 12 14.63%Meal allowance 9 10.98%Health insurance 8 9.76%Tuition reimbursement 7 8.54%Full benefits (same as full time employees)
4 4.88%
Theater tickets 4 4.88%Brewery Tours!!! YEAH FREE BEER!!! 1 1.22%Commission on sales (if applicable) 1 1.22%Holiday pay 1 1.22%Overtime 1 1.22%Retirement plan 1 1.22%
Which of the following benefits were available to you? (Choose all that apply.)
Open Text Responses:
Advertise
job fair
come to our career fair
I think that currently it does not matter. As long as the company is actually hiring in the current market, it will be given plenty of attention.
Put pictures of the campus students who have worked for their company in the Buildings on Campus, Department Specific also example: Chemical Engineering in Chemical Engineering Building etc etc
make some survey, it will be easy to know their response.
emails
Go to the career fair, and host an info session
Instead of just company names listed for career fairs, their should also be lists of the job opportunities within the company.
Put up postings all around campus that would inform students of their presence.
Put on events. Draw students to your organization. One year an organization presented a movie, and gave away some of their products. The best part of it was that they got their name out there.
Table tents in the dining halls. E-mails to academic advisers get forwarded to students regularly.
Preform a presentation about their company
Advertise throughout the school
Send emails to the advisors, who forward them to us.
Company Presentations to Specific Groups
Come more not just during the Career fair. Make a list easily available to students, probably in career center, of Human resource people that students could call and find out more information about the company or the hiring process.
What specifically could employers do to gain visibility on campus? (Optional.)
Open Text Responses:
It's always a great opportunity to involve students into an internship program. They can offer a fresh perspective on things. It also allows them to gain a first hand experience which is vital after graduation.
Keep us busy please. Keeping the students busy is better than having them have extra time on their hands.
I think it is very important to get experience with the rest of the organization, aside from the department of employment.
I think that a well structured experience that provides the intern with a wide variety of professional experiences is very important to developing a good future employee.
Helping out with housing is a HUGE plus.
Interns should be challenged with plenty of work for them to do, even if it's mundane. My greatest complaint about the place that I worked was that they could never keep me as busy as I liked.
This is the BEST thing you can do for recruiting. This can serve as a good way to screen candidates to ensure that you only hire acceptable first time employees. While we may not fully know your company or business as students, we are quick to learn and will not have poor habits developed at other companies.
Let students who are looking for a position know if they are currently hiring or not.
If you're going to show up at a career fair, don't just tell students to apply online.
Make sure things are prepared for the arrival of your interns, such as making sure their computers are set up and that they can log in to the system without calling for tech support
A simple thank you, or hello, can say and mean a lot.
Give actual projects, that is the reason I have co-oped 3 times and am sticking with the later of them. They gave me projects that I actually completed and were relevent unlike the other 2 companies.
Don't always reject a student based solely on their GPA. Look at how motivated they are at getting out and working while in school.
Make sure supervisor is always available and takes interns with them to meetings just to observe and gain technical knowledge.
Is there anything in particular you would like to share with employers as it relates to internship or co-op programs? (Optional.)
For More Information
Visit the Co-op web pages at http://www.career.mtu.edu/coop/employers.php
Learn more about:Benefits of hiring co-ops and internsResponsibilities associated with hiring studentsProcess for hiring co-ops