Employers

Why Co-op?

Since SUNY Oswego's founding in 1861, we have pioneered hands-on education emphasizing "learning by doing". More than 150 years later, the launch of our new multi-departmental cooperative education program shows we are still committed to the practice of providing a chance to learn outside the classroom, where students can apply skills and knowledge in a workplace environment.

Businesses who collaborate with SUNY Oswego will find the brightest talents to fulfill their personnel needs. Understanding the distinct differences between a Co-op and an internship will help businesses to take advantage of these opportunities and evaluate which works best for them. Many businesses make a nice combination of both forms and benefit greatly.

Internship vs. Co-op: What's the difference?

Internship:

• Typically one work term related to a student's major or career goal
• Lasts about 10-12 weeks during spring, fall or summer semesters 
• Credit bearing, scheduled with classes
• Can be full-time or part-time
• Can be paid or unpaid.

Co-op:

• Work terms, two or more (alternate with school term), as long as six months
• Full-time, paid, non-credit bearing, no tuition
• Work on projects more extensively
• Students frequently start with higher salaries and with higher levels of responsibility 
• Higher percent of job offers after graduation                 

Find the best employees

We pledge to offer students stimulating work experience in industries related to their field of study. Our mission is to equip our students with a comprehensive teaching - learning environment, so that they may contribute to the vitality of the economic development in their communities.  Most Co-op students that you hire are at their Junior, Senior or Graduate level and are completing coursework in their majors. Students with a competitive GPA will be pre-screened for correct qualifications and then trained professionally. They will bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to your team.

A great human resource tool

Our new Co-op Program offers you a great opportunity to recruit and select Co-op students to meet your company's current and future personnel needs. You'll meet with some of our best students, work with them for as long as six months, discover their talents and skill sets, and watch them grow into potential permanent employees. Statistics show that permanent employees recruited and hired through a Co-op program have a higher retention rate. 

Significantly reduces the cost of hiring

The actual cost of hiring can be more than a salary and benefits' calculation.  The SUNY Oswego Co-op Program helps you post Co-op positions, pre-screen competitive candidates, and arrange interviews. Furthermore, the pay rate is flexible. You decide the wage according to your operating budget while still having the chance to work with SUNY Oswego's ambitious, innovative, and enthusiastic students. In a word, this option gives you a reduced cost and more competitive candidates. Why not give it a try?

A longer and more flexible work term 

The SUNY Oswego Co-op Program allows students to work up to six months in your company. Compared to traditional credit bearing internships, Co-op placements have more flexible, longer work terms. They provide the employer a source of temporary staff for special projects, seasonal peaks and personnel shortages. Students have ample time to work on these projects. 

Retain talents within the region

The stagnant local economy has been driving talents out of our state in recent years. SUNY Oswego's Co-op program provides an opportunity that is beneficial for both students and employers. The Co-op opportunities that employers provide will prepare students to be more work-ready after graduation so that they may contribute to the vitality of local communities; in the meantime, employers also benefit from a bigger pool of competitive talents within the region in the long run. 

Ready to give it a try but don't know where to begin? Please refer to the employer timeline for more information. You could always Contact Us with any questions.