COOPERATIVE EDUCATION/INTERNSHIPS
The Cooperative Education/Internship program at Murray State University is designed to assist students in developing an understanding of human relationships and the psychology of the work place, while providing hands-on work experience in an academic major. The extension of classroom training in a profession adds a unique dimension to the preparation of a career. By participating in this program, Murray State students have the opportunity to apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom to actual on-the-job training. In addition, they may earn up to six hours of elective credit toward graduation.
Since the program's inception in 1975, by the MSU Board of Regents, it has grown to include all academic areas and averages 500 students in annual participation. Currently, there are over 1000 employers associated with the program, and many students go on to obtain full-time employment upon graduation. To learn more about Cooperative Education/Internships at Murray State University click on the links to the right.
Through the MSU Career Services office, work experiences are made available through businesses, industries, educational institutions, non-profit, governmental agencies, and research organizations located throughout the United States and abroad. Although the University makes no guarantee as to practice assignments or earnings, they make every effort to place students to their best educational advantage.
Since the Cooperative Education/Internship program at MSU is flexible, students have a choice between working multiple semesters in an alternating, parallel or combination program during the Fall, Spring, or Summer term. Work experiences can range from formal to informal, paid to voluntary, part-time to full-time, for one or more semesters. The typical program will involve faculty/student/employer interaction to establish requirements for successful completion of the program. These requirements may vary with each academic department. Some departments have required programs built into their curriculum. Credit hours and grading standards also vary with academic departments.
- Earn salary that can assist in financing college
- Receive academic credit for career-related experience without going to class
- Experience and evaluate career choice prior to graduation
- Learn valuable practical job seeking and job holding skills
- Gain exposure to latest trends, technologies, and practices
- Develop maturity, professionalism, and self-confidence
- Earn more money and advance more rapidly in the chosen career field upon graduation
- Improve GPA as classes become more meaningful following work experience
STUDENT ELIGIBILITY
- Student must be currently enrolled, degree-seeking at the time of appointment
- Student must have 24 credits accumulated at a college or university
- Student must have earned at least six credits at Murray State University
- Student must have an established cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher
- Student must be under an unrestricted baccalaureate admission status
- Enrollment in the program must be concurrent with the employment
- Student must be willing to pay for the course by the hour at an in-state rate
STUDENT APPLICATION
- First, contact the Career Services Office and establish a co-op file (SEE NEW ON-LINE REGISTRATION)
- Second, meet with Department Advisor/Chair to express interest and inquire about opportunities
- Third, develop a resume to be mailed or faxed to potential employers
- Fourth, network with friends, family, alumni and/or professionals in the field about positions
- Fifth, research the companies/organizations you are interested in applying to determine application process and deadlines
- Sixth, interview with those companies that contact you
- Once a position is secured, Career Services can assist you in completing the paper work needed to register for the class
- (SEE CO-OP FORMS)
- Gain a talented performer at a reduced cost and with no obligations
- Increase exposure to latest academic theory and educational literature
- Gain assistance with special projects and/or on-going support services
- Bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the work place
- Build a pool of qualified candidates for recruiting future employees
- Develop a support relationship with a specific school/department to establish credibility
- Become involved with key faculty/staff members on campus
EMPLOYER ELIGIBILITY
- The employer must provide a position that is meaningful, challenging, supervised, and career-related
- The position must extend a minimum of 10 weeks and average at least 30 hours per week
- The employer must provide some form of compensation for the period of work
- The employer must complete an evaluation form prior to the end of the work assignment
- (EVALUATION FORM)
EMPLOYER APPLICATION
- First, contact the Career Services Office to advertise the position and collect resumes
- (POSITION AVAILABLE FORM)
- Second, contact interested students and conduct interviews. This can be done individually or with the assistance of Career Services on-campus interview program.
- Third, once an offer is made, complete and provide a job description form to Career Services
- (JOB DESCRIPTION FORM)
Mr. Ray Karraker
Career Services Office
210 Ordway Hall
(270) 809-3117
http://www.4work.com
http://internships.com
http://www.studentjobs.gov