<p>There is a lot of questions about coops. Thus, let me elaborate a bit on the process. I have used this thread to answer a number of questions and concerns about coops that are found in various threads. My overview is based on our experience with my daughter who is majoring in digital design. I don't have sufficient experence or knowledge about other majors; thus, don't ask me about architecture, industrial design etc. However, I would assume that much of what I have said will also apply to coops for those majors as well.</p>
<p>Coops generally begin at the end of the sophomore year. You can choose winter- summer for coops or fall - spring. </p>
<p>Although the school does have a number of coop opportunities both in the US and abroad, my daughter has found that the best coops are the ones she gets herself! To rely solely on the school would, in my opinion, be a mistake.</p>
<p>Up to this year, coops were very plentiful. Most kids got coops who had good portolios and most of these were paid. However, with the bad economy, many coops dried up or are unpaid. That is just the way it is. This is why it is vital to have your kids start applying for coops early in the quarter before the coops start.</p>
<p>Frankly, getting some form of decent coop hasn't been too hard in the past. However, what is hard is finding housing, transportation etc for the coop. You will need to search Craig's list and other sources for nearby housing. You also have to consider transportation options. For example, can they borrow a car from a friend? Are they old enough to rent a car? Do they even need a car?</p>
<p>Moving stuff is also a big hassle. Frankly, your kids should only take at most two pieces of luggage due to airline charges. They can always buy sheets,towels, and temporary shelving and even a air mattress for a bed. Employers, from my experience, have not been very helpful in either finding housing or in helping students with moving. You will need to help your student with all this. </p>
<p>UC was the forerunner of coop schools. They even started before Northeastern , who always touts their own coop program. Thus, UC has a lot of connections around both the US and the world. I have seen kids get coops as far away as China. In fact, UC kids are designing banners for the Superbowl this year and worked on the Summer Olympics in China last year.</p>
<p>Participating in coop is VERY important especially in today's economy. Many folks don't understand this. Students will usually get great, practical experience that they normally won't get from just an academic setting, no matter how good the school. Moreover, it gives students a lot of connections for future possible jobs. In fact, I think around 30+ percent of kids get offered full time jobs upon graduation from the connections they made while cooping. </p>
<p>Thus, Rule number one: Always keep the names of contacts that you meet while on coop.
Moreover, the coop provides great experience for resumes,which is hard to beat by kids from other schools. In addition, for many majors, the coop can provide some great portfolio work that kids can show prospective employers. For example, my daughter worked on some very high end web sites for movies such as Dark Knight, American Idol site etc. She became so proficient that I had her design my own company web site. She did such as good job that she was referred a lot of business from others who saw the site. You really can't beat this experiential form of learning.</p>
<p>Rule number two: Always look for a coop early on! Although the school does provide a number of companies for potential coops. in today's economy, they aren't as easy to get or plentiful as their once were. It is thus VITAL to apply early and to many employers. Don't be fooled into thinking that UC will provide you with everything you need. </p>
<p>Rule 3. Don't totally rely on UC. I have found that many of the best coops were those that my daughter got herself! Your child needs to be proactive. Again, don't rely totally on UC. This becomes particularly true for the first two coops. Lets face it, most employers would rather have a senior or Junior than a sophomore. Thus, being proactive can make a big difference to both the quality and location of the coop.</p>
<p>Rule 4: coops take logistical planning: Remember that your student will move every 10-12 week ( which will change when UC converts to semesters). In fact, it will be easier then.
Thus, at least a week or two before your kid goes to their coop, you will need to find them housing. Usually neither the coop company nor UC helps in this. Craig's list is your friend. Sometimes employers can help find housing,but, more often than not, the kid is on their own. You usually need to fly out with your student to both help move and to check out the locations. Little things become important such as: obtaining parking permits, internet access, finding out where the employers is located, obtaining temporary furnishings such as drawers for clothing, TV stand, bed or air bed and possibly some linens and towels etc.</p>
<p>Rule 4: Pack light. Because of this constant mobility, you need to have your child pack very lightly for each move. I strongly suggest that they have no more than two suitcases. Remember, airlines will only allow you two suitcases for travel. More than that will result in large charges. </p>
<p>Bottom line: Although coops are definitely a logistical hassle, they are well worth it. Your son will get experience for their resume and make contacts that very few students in other schools will have. This is a BIG, BIG advantage that UC offers that other schools don't.</p>