Kettering University

A successful co-op program depends on the cooperation of Kettering University's Cooperative Education staff , the student and the employer.

The Kettering University Cooperative Education & Career Services Role

• Serve as a liaison between the employer, the student and the University.
• Make suggestions for appropriate co-op positions.
• Provide information about Kettering University's academic programs.
• Identify student candidates, refer resumes to employers and facilitate interview arrangements.
• Advise employers about appropriate co-op wage and benefits.
• Counsel students on career goals and help match their skills with employer needs.
• Work with employers to develop work plans.

 The Student ’s Role

• Be accessible and available for interviews with potential employers.
• Notify the Office of Cooperative Education & Career Services when employment offers are received; after accepting an offer, the employment search is completed.
• Meet the academic expectations of the University.
• Complete an evaluation of the co-op work term experience.
• Meet work performance expectations of the co-op employer.
• Complete a joint evaluation of him/herself with the co-op employer.

 The Co-op Employer’s Role

To ensure the co-op program goes as smoothly as possible, Kettering encourages employers to complete the following before hiring a co-op student:

• gain support from senior management and from employees who will supervise students;
• establish budgetary support and determine the wages and benefits to be offered, including any assistance with housing and/or transportation;
• share with supervisors information about the philosophy and goals of cooperative education;
• familiarize students with the organization and geographic area;
• develop job assignments to ensure that students work on projects that will lead to professional growth;
• create a strategic work plan to share both with students and with the Cooperative Education & Career Services Office; and
• communicate expectations for the program to the Cooperative Education & Career Services Office and ask any remaining questions.

 Specific Employer Responsibilities

A supervisor who hires a Kettering co-op student has four primary responsibilities.

1. Plan the work assignments in advance of the student's arrival.
   • Know the student's background and career interests.
   • Develop projects appropriate to the student's interests, coursework and academic level.
   • Spread assignments over the entire three month work term to maximize student productivity.
   • Keep a backlog of jobs ready for "down times".
   • Include a major project that will challenge the student's abilities.
   • Provide space for the student to work.
   • Make the co-op work assignments an integral part of the department's effort.
2. Introduce the student to department personnel and orient the student to the department.
   • Introduce the student to his or her coworkers.
   • Explain the department's structure and how it fits into the overall organizational structure.
   • Explain to the student where he or she fits into the department.
   • Familiarize the student with the department's major ongoing projects.
   • Explain the department's policies, both formal and informal.
3. Supervise the student on the job.
   • Create and maintain a work environment that fosters learning; offer guidance and direction to the student.
   • Treat the student as a part of the department and organization.
   • Periodically review the student's progress; make adjustments to assignments or provide direction as needed.
   • Delegate appropriate responsibilities to the student.
   • Arrange for training that is appropriate to the student's education level.
   • Show confidence in the student as a professional.
   • Include student in staff meetings.
4. Evaluate the student's performance.
   • Conduct an evaluation at the completion of each work term.
   • Make recommendations for student's next work assignment.
   • If appropriate, recommend student for permanent employment upon graduation.