Plan To Work While You Learn

Co-operative Education and on-campus career opportunities give students the edge they need.

An integral part of planning your education is making choices about where and when you will work; ideally, you’ll find employment that not only complements your education but also enhances it. Once school’s out for summer, it’s a great time to take stock of your options and look for job opportunities that support your educational goals.

Many students benefit from participating in a degree program that includes formal work experience. At KPU, our Co-operative Education program provides students with the skills and tools needed to successfully secure employment related to their field of study. Students are given the opportunity to work with a variety of local employers to apply their knowledge and witness the real-world results of their hard work in the classroom. Co-op is designed to allow students to alternate their academic semesters with semesters of work, allowing them to bring skills gained on the job back into their studies. Each Co-op opportunity provides students with a meaningful wage, relevant work experience, and a chance to build industry contacts to assist them in securing a full-time position after graduation. Students who engage in program-related employment, or experiential learning, often find themselves one step ahead of others when applying to jobs. Khoung Vu, a KPU Accounting Co-op student, simply states: “Joining Co-op was the best decision I ever made.”

If you’re enrolled in a program that doesn’t offer a Co-op option, there are many other opportunities to gain valuable work experience on campus—not only over your summer break, but throughout the school year as well. Contact your school’s Career Services department for help finding job postings and putting together a stellar application. If you’re short on job skills, start by volunteering for campus organizations that will be happy to give you on-the-job training in exchange for your time.