Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT ARE INTERNSHIPS/CO-OP ASSIGNMENTS?
Internships/cooperative education assignments are nationally recognized
learning/training opportunities designed to help students develop
professional skills by integrating classroom study with a planned and
supervised work experience. These hands-on learning situations take
place outside of the formal classroom environment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INTERNSHIP AND CO-OP ASSIGNMENT
PARTICIPATION?
The internship/co-op experience gives students the opportunity to test
and expand career interests related to the field of study being pursued.
Students earn academic credit that can be applied to a certificate or
degree while working. The learning that takes place at the job site
helps make the overall college experience more meaningful. Students
become more confident as they take on new responsibilities. A work
experience can transform a good student into a choice job candidate.
Co-op/Internship graduates usually command higher salaries and move more
rapidly up the career ladder.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE AND APPROVED TO PARTICIPATE?
Students enrolled in an academic program that offers a co-op or
internship course option, and that meet the requirements set by OCC may
participate. A student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and complete credit
hour requirements determined by faculty in their academic discipline.
Students must have authorization from the appropriate faculty sponsor as
well. Transfer students must have completed the equivalent of these
requirements and twelve credits of study at OCC. Students must be
enrolled in one of the approved programs. A coordinator and faculty
member must approve any exceptions.
HOW DO STUDENTS ENROLL IN AN INTERNSHIP/CO-OP ASSIGNMENT?
Students are advised to apply at least one full term before expected
placement. There are two Coordinators who work with designated
disciplines. Contact Kathie House (kshouse@oaklandcc.edu)
located in Building G-206 of the Auburn Hills campus. Appointments can
be made by calling: (248-232-4142). You can also contact Lisa Skowronski,
(laskowro@oaklandcc.edu) for
an Internship or Co-op assignment. She is located in Building M-113 of
the Orchard Ridge campus. Call (248) 522-3699 for an appointment.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR A WORK ASSIGNMENT?
All students must submit paperwork including a completed application,
resume, student agreement and a history of classes. (Additional forms
may be required). Attendance at a one hour program orientation meeting
and an initial appointment with the Coordinator is required to discuss
placement possibilities.
WHAT KIND OF SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE?
Students work both part and full time. Typically, full time assignments
are four months in length, but vary according to each academic program’s
requirements. Part–time or parallel educational work assignments allow
students to work a part time schedule while still attending school. The
types of assignments available are dependent upon the needs of the
employer and job market conditions.
WILL ACADEMIC CREDIT BE RECEIVED?
Yes. Students will be graded on their assignment by a faculty member
upon review of a report, an evaluation, an on-site visit, and if
required, additional projects or attendance at seminars.
IF I HAVE A QUESTION, WHOM DO I ASK?
At the Auburn Hills campus: Building G- 206 – Kathie House, Program
Coordinator – Cooperative Education
At the Orchard Ridge campus: Building M-113 – Lisa Skowronski, Program
Coordinator – Internship & Cooperative Education
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL DUTIES OF A COORDINATOR?
The Coordinator provides the link between the college, students and
employers. The Coordinator develops appropriate assignments through
contact with employers. Job information is brought back to the college.
The coordinator also prepares students for the work environment through
prerequisite seminars and workshops, develops relationships with
companies who hire OCC interns/co-ops, maintains student and employer
files, as well as assists students in career counseling.
HOW IS THE FACULTY INVOLVED WITH THE PROGRAM?
The faculty sponsor will approve and authorize each student to gain
entry into the program. Faculty along with the Coordinator may conduct
on-site visits. Faculty also awards student grades at the end of the
work assignment.
ARE STUDENTS GUARANTEED A JOB?
No. The Coordinator can only refer students to employers. Only
qualifications, interviews, and the ability to compete with other
students can determine whether or not students receive a job offer.
However, OCC students have a competitive edge by virtue of outstanding
academic programs.
WHO DETERMINES THE SALARY?
The employer determines the salary within their own organization.
WHAT IF A STUDENT IS NOT SURE WHICH CAREER AREA THEY WISH TO
PURSUE?
There is no better way to find out than through the
internship/cooperative education program. It is the perfect way to
investigate career possibilities. A student can confirm their career
choice or change career direction while still in school. Students are
also encouraged to meet with a counselor.
CAN A STUDENT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR THEIR PRESENT JOB?
An appointment must be made with the Coordinator or faculty advisor to
discuss the possibilities of receiving credit. Final approval comes from
the academic department. However, there must be advanced or new learning
taking place in the form of a promotion or additional responsibilities
above and beyond one’s present position.
CAN A STUDENT QUIT A JOB THEY DON’T LIKE?
Students should always talk to their Coordinator if they have a problem
on their work assignment. Usually a discussion with the employer will
resolve this situation.
Kathie House , Program Coordinator
Cooperative Education– Building G, Room 206
248-232-4140
kshouse@oaklandcc.edu
Lisa Skowronski , Program Coordinator
Internship & Cooperative Education – Building M, Room 113
248-522-3699
laskowro@oaklandcc.edu
