Work-Based Learning

Yes, you may enroll for a Cooperative Education class using your current job. If your job is major-related, you may enroll for CPED 1010—Cooperative Education I. CPED 1010 is a 3-credit hour course that requires that you work or volunteer 150 hours/semester in a job related to your major (on average 10 hours/week). You will develop four learning objectives/projects with your employer that will increase your skills and expertise in your career field. A 2-credit hour version is also available requiring only 100 hours/semester (CPED 2100). Students develop four learning objectives with their employer focusing on transitional work skills (skills that are utilized in all job settings) and complete a resume portfolio.

The CSCC Cooperative Education Office works with the academic advisor to ensure the student is ready to co-op and then to assist the student in identifying a placement. Most Cooperative Education placements are volunteer situations, but depending on the major and the student’s expertise, some placements may be paid positions. Additionally, students may contact the college’s Counseling & Career Services office to explore paid positions that they can utilize for their Cooperative Education placement.

While a paid placement is ideal and some placements may be paid, there are some fields in which it is unrealistic to expect to be paid without obtaining the skills first. In those fields, it is to the student’s benefit to be willing to volunteer for their Cooperative Education placement. In return, students will gain on-the-job experience and skills that they can highlight in their resume, qualifying them for a future paid position. They are also developing future references in their career field by building relationships with their site supervisor, the Cooperative Education director, and other professionals they will meet in the course of performing their Cooperative Education projects. In some cases, the volunteer experience works into a stipend or paid position.

Learning objectives in the major-related Cooperative Education will be in-depth with the students striving to acquire hands-on experience and skills in their career field. These objectives might include knowledge/skill development, specific projects, job shadowing, training, task forces, or problem-solving assignments. New learning objectives are developed for each semester of major-related Cooperative Education. These objectives will be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely.

Yes, CPED 1012 is a one-credit hour course that provides students with valuable career guidance without the work placement requirement. CPED 1012 Soft Skills in the Workplace stresses important soft skills and the importance of work ethics. Like other co-op courses, CPED 1012 is available in independent study format with the student meeting with the instructor occasionally throughout the semester during the instructor’s office hours/as needed.

Students should not sign up for a co-op class requiring the 150 hour work assignment without already having the job or volunteer placement secured because the work requirement is a critical component of the class. While every effort will be made to help students locate a placement, students should not sign up for co-op without a placement identified. As mentioned earlier, CPED 1012 does not include a placement requirement and would be good courses for students who are not currently working or volunteering.

Several degree programs at the college require a Cooperative Education course and a specific course is built into the curriculum for that major. For other students, cooperative education courses are electives and can be applied to the total hours for graduation from Cleveland State. Students should check with their senior institution to determine how co-op courses will transfer into that institution. Students should also check with the Financial Aid department in terms of how the elective course may effect the student’s aid.

Cooperative education programs have been in existence at most colleges and universities for many years and employers recognize this experience as valuable hands-on training in your field. Often, it is the student’s cooperative education experience that gives the student the edge in the hiring process. Cooperative education is the perfect complement to your academic studies, preparing you with the skills and knowledge for your future career. It is a very important experience to add to your resume. Additionally, it provides students with the opportunity to develop references in their career field. Courses are offered in an independent study format so they are convenient elective courses for students who have many obligations including family, work and college.