Participating in a cooperative work experience has many benefits. Cooperative education can help students in the following ways:

Aquire marketable skills. Every occupation requires certain skills by working in a real job under real working conditions.

Become aware of career goals. Cooperative education gives you a chance to test some of your career interest. You can find out what you like to do and can do. You can also discuss your career goals with others at work and at school.

Learn to work with others. You will learn to communicate with other people, such as supervisors, other employees, and customers. As a new employee you will learn how to conduct yourself in a work situation.

Gain on-the-job experience Actual experiences in a work situation helps students get other jobs in the future. It also helps them make the personal transition from school to work.

Earn money. Cooperative education work experiences provide opportunities to earn an income. The expression "earn while you learn" applies to cooperative work experiences.

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