Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are work experience programs at Howard Community College that offer employers in the Greater Baltimore/Washington area a pool of HCC students interested in paid/unpaid work experiences related to their programs of study and career interests.  Students choosing these options are interested in acquiring and improving work-based skills and furthering their professional development.

Co-op

In the Cooperative Education Program, students attend co-op classes and work a minimum of ten hours per week with an employer to earn college credit.  Employers assign job responsibilities to meet their companies' needs and also give work assignments related to students' academic and career interests.

Internships

Internships are one-time service or work experiences for students with basic academic preparation in professional fields.  Students have the option of earning academic credits for their internships.

Benefits to Employers

HCC's cooperative education and internship programs are win-win opportunities for both employers and educators.  Employers will benefit from:

• motivated applicants who are actively seeking work that can be full- or part-time, temporary or permanent;
• applicants with work-based training interested in exploring careers and furthering their professional development without the high costs and time expenditures usually associated with recruiting new personnel;
• the ability to evaluate new employees without making a long-term hiring commitment.

Responsibilities of Employers

The co-op & internship assignments can vary according to the employers' needs and the expertise and interests of the students.  To ensure a beneficial experience for both students and employers, employers are asked to offer:

• a work schedule of ten or more hours per week,
• continuing employment for a minimum of ten weeks,
• opportunities for hands-on learning,
• experiences that will help students enhance their interpersonal skill,
• information to assist students in making choices about academic and career goals, and
• constructive evaluations done in conjunction with students' HCC faculty advisors.

To participate in HCC's work experience programs:

• Notify the Counseling and Career Services Office of your hiring needs.
• Interview interested applicants and select the appropriate student to fill the position.
• Provide HCC with an evaluation of the student's progress after approximately ten weeks.

For more information on Cooperative Education and Internships, please contact the cooperative education manager located in Counseling and Career Services at 410 772 4840.