Internships/Cooperative Education
ABOUT THE WESTFIELD STATE INTERNSHIP & COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
Cooperative education and internships are partnerships between Westfield State University and employers that provides students with opportunities for career and personal development through on-the-job learning experiences. During the academic year students intern locally, approximately 10 to 20 hours per week, in paid or unpaid positions that relate directly to their individual academic program and career interests.
More than 300 area businesses, schools or organizations have one or more Westfield State University students on their part-time staff during the academic year. Employers benefit in many ways from this collaboration. They have the chance to meet and work with bright, enthusiastic and motivated students who bring a fresh perspective to their work. Employers can staff special short term projects with competent student interns or observe potential full-time employees on the job without long-range commitment or expensive benefits.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION VS. INTERNSHIP
The main difference between the Cooperative Education Program and the Internship Program is where the student receives credit. The student and their university advisor determine how the credits should be awarded. Either the Faculty Internship Coordinator or the Cooperative Education Advisor from Career Services will serve as the student's university supervisor.
WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY INTERNSHIP CREDIT POLICY
Westfield State University students can earn college credit for their internship, cooperative education or community service experiences. The University encourages students to undertake field experience opportunities and provides field placements for all majors in many types of organizations.
EMPLOYER GUIDELINES
As a Cooperative Education/Internship participant you will be asked to provide orientation for the student to your organization's goals and the responsibilities of the position, to integrate the students learning objectives with the job specifications, and accommodate an on-site visit by a representative from the University, once per semester. Supervisors will also be asked to assess the student's performance through a standard evaluation form. This evaluation is an integral part of the student's grade.
To be considered a legitimate internship, the National Association of Colleges and Employers have identified the following criteria that internship postings must meet:
1. The experience must be an extension of the classroom: a learning experience that provides for applying the knowledge gained in the classroom. It must not be simply to advance the operations of the employer or be the work that a regular employee would routinely perform.
2. The skills or knowledge learned must be transferable to other employment settings.
3. The experience has a defined beginning and end, and a job description with desired qualifications.
4. There are clearly defined learning objectives/goals related to the professional goals of the student's academic coursework.
5. There is supervision by a professional with expertise and educational and/or prfoessional background in the field of experience.
6. There is routine feedback by the experienced supervisor.
7. There are resources, equipment, and facilities provided by the host employer that support learning objectives/goals.
HOW TO POST OPPORTUNITIES
We maintain an extensive online database of cooperative education, internship, part-time and full-time opportunities. We would be happy to promote your opportunities to our students, faculty and alumni. To post opportunities, register with Career Connections, our online job posting system. You will be requested to complete some basic information about your organization and a job description for each position. You will then have an opportunity to review resumes and interview candidates. For assistance with this process, please call (413) 572-5206.
Opportunities can also be sent by:
Fax: (413) 572-5475
Email: careers@westfield.ma.edu
Mail:
Westfield State University
Career Center
577 Western Avenue
Westfield, MA 01086
Be sure to include:
- Your company name
- Job Title
- Duties
- Compensation
- Qualifications
- Majors Desired
- Location
- Application Instructions
- Start Date/End Date
- Company Website
- Contact Person
- Contact Information (including email, address, phone)