Co-ops and Field Experience

In co-op courses, our instructors assist you in securing a temporary position in an outside company or business where you can apply your new skills. You will gain real world, hands-on experience in how a company operates and how you fit into that kind of environment. You also explore real work situations and demonstrate your abilities in dealing with people.

This opportunity allows you to assess your career goals within your chosen field, but also provide solid work experience to put on your resume. Additionally, co-op experiences usually result in professional letters of reference and it is not unusual for job offers to be made at the end of the co-op encounter.

Where are these Co-ops?

They're everywhere! Students have had co-op opportunities at Genesee County IT department, Time Warner, BSS Computing, Lake Plains Computer, Computers for Children, local hospitals and a number of other locations around the New York State area from Springville to Romulus.

With six Genesee Community College campuses in four counties, co-ops are excellent opportunities no matter where you reside. Genesee has contacts throughout the region and will work with you in your local area to find an appropriate field experience.

What Happens During A Co-op?

• Co-ops can be paid or unpaid experiences. Students with a paid experience are expected to work a minimum of 240 hours; students in an unpaid experience are expected to work a minimum of 150 hours.
• You will practice appropriate job skills learned in the classroom.
• A daily diary allows you to keep track of specific tasks and learning experiences.
• Principles of good grooming and business etiquette will become an important part of your professional image.
• This is a real job. Inform an employer if you will be late or sick, perform the tasks assigned to you on a timely basis and ask questions when you are doing something new or unfamiliar.
• Learning about how computer careers fit into business and how you can assist a business in an important part of the leaning experience. You will be asked to analyze both your role at the work site as well as other management functions.
  

More Information

For more information about Co-ops in the IT area, contact Mr. James M. Bucki, Sr. at 585-343-0055 x6172 or send an email to jmbucki@genesee.edu