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Are co-op programs helpful in getting a job after graduation?

Does completing a co-op program during undergrad really improve your resume? Is it likely that the company you do your co-op with will hire you after graduation? Is it worth it to take an extra year to complete your bachelor's degree? #job-search #college-jobs #job-search-strategies #co-op

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John H.’s Answer

Hi, Emma: the quick answer to your question is a big YES. Co-op programs are great for getting jobs after graduation, especially if you want to work at the organization where you're interning. BUT, before you enroll in any program be sure to ask about placement statistics: where are grads getting jobs? how many are getting jobs? what kind of salaries are grads getting? how geographically spread out are grads after they graduate? (In other words, is it hard to get a job anywhere other than the location of the college?) You have to be a good consumer when considering these types of programs. I had a good friend who went to Northeastern here in Boston, for law school and got good jobs afterwards and is now a judge. So, if you're quite sure what you'd like to do after you graduate and there's a good school with a good co-op program, go for it!!
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Christan’s Answer

I would say so, I had quite a few friends complete Co-Op programs in Sydney. Quite a few of them ended up at Accenture, Goldman Sachs and AT Kearney. Which were all firms they Co-Oped with. The only downside is that it is generally unpaid so it's not as "nice" as an internship where you are getting paid to work.

However generally it counts as a course for your University so that's a plus.
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Nandita’s Answer

As someone who has been completing a co-op for the past year, I believe it definitely does help in terms of not only gaining valuable experience in your field, but also allowed me to determine what aspects of working I liked and what I didn't like. I was able to narrow down qualities or attributes I looked for in a future role or employer. I also was able to learn more about the bigger picture of how my specific role and contributions within the company had a larger impact. I definitely recommend doing an internship/co-op if given the opportunity!
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Steven’s Answer

YES!!! but not just any internship / co-op, something that's relevant and carries with it an opportunity to learn. Many internships focus on what the benefit is to the company who creates an intern position, the value in it is actually finding the role and making it something you can enjoy.

What you can do with your experience is tell the story of how and why you ended up with that internship and what you learned. It shows to the interviewer of your first job that you understand how to work as part of a team, that you are willing to put in the time to start a career and that it's not a list of steps you feel you need to take.

Be thoughtful, craft your story, and you can make this an integral part of your career path as part 1 of a long journey.
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