Co-op

Co-op Employers Needed!

As Drexel University continues to grow its student population, the need to develop quality Co-op opportunities for our students is on the rise. This is especially the case in chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering, chemistry, biology, finance, accounting, and interior design. In 2012-2013, we expect that nearly 5,000 undergraduate students in more than 75 majors will participate in Co-op.

Alumni are keenly aware that Co-op promotes student learning in the areas of problem solving, personal and social responsibility, civic knowledge and engagement, intercultural awareness, and most importantly, practical application of academic concepts in real-world, professional settings. Like many Drexel graduates, Co-op experiences have a lasting impact on our students' education and careers.

Our alumni network, including alumni referrals and recommendations, are our greatest asset when it comes to continuously creating quality Co-op opportunities for our students. We value your insight and connections tremendously and would love to hear from you!

If you are interested in becoming a Co-op employer or want to reconnect to learn more, please feel free to contact the Steinbright Career Development Center staff members below:

Employer Relations Coordinators
Carol Ferguson Contact for majors other than business, engineering and IT	215-571-3654
Mark Gress Contact for business, engineering and IT	215-895-6467

Co-op Chronicles from Crete

During her time as a co-op student in Crete, Greece, Natasha Pande, a senior communications student, will chronicle her experiences for Drexel alumni in a series of online journal entries. Natasha was afforded the opportunity to work in Greece, thanks to the Vidalakis Cretan Scholars Program.

For her co-op, Natasha is currently working at Creta Maris Beach Resort as a marketing and public relations assistant. She is working on various campaigns within the hotel, writing press releases, and is working on material for the information channels of the hotel. “I feel it is important to gain experience in different fields of business and understand how methods of marketing are molded accordingly,” she said.

Natasha hopes to learn more Greek and immerse herself in the Cretan culture. She believes that an international experience will help her understand how to overcome cultural and language barriers in a work setting. She is also thoroughly enjoying the cultural exchange experience with the Erasmus students in Crete. Erasmus (European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students) is an exchange program organized by the European Union. The European Student Network in Crete helps the Erasmus student network by planning activities for them. "The Drexel students have been adopted by the Erasmus student group and have been called the Drexelakis, 'akis' meaning people belonging to Crete," she said.

Natasha said that she is also thoroughly enjoying the cultural exchange experience with the Erasmus students in Crete. She has had the opportunity to meet and network with students from all over Europe.

Click here to read Natasha's journal entries.

About Co-op

The Drexel Co-op, a renowned experiential program, is one of the largest and most respected co-op programs in the world. Co-op students alternate periods of full-time professional employment with periods of classroom study, while employers gain valuable contributions from energetic young professionals.

Why Hire a Drexel Co-op Student?

• Hiring a co-op student provides employers the opportunity to train and mold new workforce talent.
• Co-op students are forward-thinking, valued employees who bring fresh perspectives and suggestions to the workplace.
• Co-op cycles operate 12 months of the year, allowing employers to fill positions year-round.
• Hiring a co-op student is a cost-effective hiring solution and helps to keep recruiting costs down.
• Being involved in the educational process and helping Drexel students is a truly gratifying experience.

Co-op Fast Facts

• Co-op is a six-month employment opportunity during which students engage in real work in the field which they are studying.
• It is one of the world’s oldest and largest co-op/work integrated learning programs.
• More than 1,500 employers across the U.S. and in 20 foreign countries partner with the SCDC for co-op.
• Each year, almost 5,000 undergraduates are placed in co-op work experiences.
• The SCDC provides stipends for student co-op experiences in Australia, China (Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong), Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Singapore, and Turkey.
• Approximately 15 percent of co-op students take their co-op outside of the Philadelphia.
• More than 90 percent of Drexel undergraduates are enrolled in a co-op program; 77 percent of these students are enrolled in a 5-year program which allows for up to 18 months of degree-related work experience through three separate 6-month work experiences.
• Students gain on-the-job skills and knowledge during their co-op cycles so when they are hired full-time, they often begin at a higher level of responsibility and productivity than inexperienced graduates.

For more information on the Co-op Program, visit the Steinbright Career Development Center at www.drexel.edu/scdc.

Global Co-op
Drexel student have Co-op experiences around the world. Visit the maps below to see just where the Co-op Program has taken them!

Nationally
Click here to see how Drexel students have covered the U.S.

Internationally
Click here to see where Drexel students have ventured.

Corporate Partners
Drexel's Corporate Partners Program provides vital financial support. Click here to learn more.