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WORK-BASED EDUCATION: CO-OP PROGRAM

Students from all majors can execute professional assignments to build and demonstrate skills while exploring a variety of career paths.

*Be sure to sign up using your Trinity student email account!

What is a Co-Op?

The Co-op Program offers students a way to Earn, Network, and Learn during their time at Trinity. This program connects students to companies and organizations for work-based professional development opportunities. Students focus on development of skills in the areas of critical thinking and problem solving; teamwork and collaboration; professionalism; oral and written communications; and, leadership. The program offers an immersive experience for students to gain skills and build a professional network while funding a portion of the costs of their education.

Unlike other opportunities, Co-Ops:

  • Can take place each semester
  • Range from 1 to 5 days per week
  • May be fully remote, in person, or hybrid
  • Are only open to students who have completed 60 credits of coursework OR have completed Foundations 201

Some companies and organizations use the co-op program as a way to develop a pipeline of future employees. All companies and organizations are trained in and committed to the best practices of cooperative, experiential education and act as partners in the student’s learning. Email ENL@TRNTY.EDU with any questions about Co-Ops.

Getting Started

When you are launching your career, Co-Ops provide a tremendous opportunity. You can explore different career paths and work on interesting projects all while building your resume and get tuition support.

But first:

  1. Create/Update your resume. Visit the Cooper Center for Vocation and Career Development for assistance.
  2. Create an account on LinkedIn.  This can help you establish your professional network and online presence. 
  3. Explore your career options.  Review your Top 5 Signature Themes (Strengths) from your Thrive or FDN 111 course to identify your strengths.  The Cooper Center also offers PathwayU, an additional career assessment.

Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up-to-date as you gain more experiences.

Sharon and EJ

Apply to Opportunities

Don't wait for a full-time internship to gain professional experience.  Co-Ops occur each Summer, Fall, and Spring semester.

To begin,

  1. Create an account on Parker Dewey via the link above.
  2. Complete your profile.
  3. Apply to opportunities that interest you.  Be sure to be professional in all communications with the prospective employer. 

Be sure to return to the Parker Dewey platform regularly to keep on applying to new opportunities!  

Grant and Ryley

On the Job

Selected for a Co-Op?  Congratulations! After you receive the notification via email, you should: 

  1. Email your Co-Op supervisor to set up a time to connect real-time to discuss the role.
  2. Use your resources (knowledge from class and other experiences, mentors, faculty, etc.) to complete the project to the best of your ability.
  3. Complete the Co-Op by the deadline(s) that you and your supervisor identify.

If you have questions, reach out to support@parkerdewey.com at any time.

Giulia_Trinity

After Your Co-Op

When you complete your Co-Op, you will receive a checklist of things to do such as:

  • Complete a brief survey about your experience.
  • Review the feedback you receive from your supervisor.
  • Update your resume/LinkedIn profile.
  • Stay in touch with your Co-Op Supervisor. 
  • Apply to another Co-Op or Micro-Internships!
Student Presentation