Co-op Education: Why it is Important for Students

The stiff competition in the world has raised the demand for skilled candidates.

Even if you’re a fresher you need to have practical knowledge of the industry you are in.

Attending classes in college or university definitely helps students in learning skills.

But, does acquiring knowledge only through classes make them job-ready?

How about if they get an opportunity to work in their respective industries during their study?

Yes, it is possible, with the help of Co-op education.

Cooperative education involves learning in classroom + industrial training.

It gives the chance to the students to work directly in the industry that not only enhance their experience but also hone their skills.

Not all the educational institution offers co-op programs. As far as I know, Pacific Link College in Canada is considered as the best college for providing co-op study to the students.

Students at PLC gain work experience in their respective industries and many of them get job offers throughout their training.

Let’s discuss the benefits of Co-op education and how it helps students in their career growth.

Co-op helps you to Kick-start your career

Through co-op program students get to build experience by working in the government departments, large organizations, start-ups that help them strengthen their skills. They get a chance to collaborate with industry experts and do various tasks.

Many students find co-op extremely helpful as it makes their career choices easier. Sometimes, students are not aware of their own capabilities that complement their personal strengths and interests.

So, by working in the industry they discover their new personal strengths and skills of their interests.

If I tell you my college experience, I was a nerd, who was only limited to theoretical knowledge.

But, when my co-op period had started, I went to the industrial training and discovered various career paths that I had not known before. I came to realize my hidden interests.

Learn Practical Skills and Build Portfolio

At the time of the job interview, the employer may ask for your portfolio. The portfolio helps you to show the project you’ve had worked on.

Co-op programs allow you to work on real-time projects and help you build a successful portfolio.

Students at Pacific Link College gather so much experience during their co-op study and make an effective portfolio that facilitates their job selection.

Learning only from classes won’t give you such exposure. So, having a co-op ease entry into a workplace that not usually available to students who are pursuing programs that don’t have co-op options.

Develop professional skills

The co-op program doesn’t just give you valuable work experience but also develop professional skills.

Remember, you need to overcome many challenges before landing the job.

Companies look for candidates who not only have practical skills but also have other skills such as leadership, management, crisis management and many more.

The co-op will prepare you with all these essential skills so that you can actively learn and thrive as a responsible team member in your chosen area.

Conclusion

The CO-OP program is the perfect way to step into the industry. It not only trains students the needed practical skills but also improves their personal and professional skills. Through co-op, they boost their confidence and transform their overall personality.