Cooperative Education

CAP/Co-op Orientation

The CAP/Co-op Program: Just the facts!

  • CAP/Co-op experiences are academically-based work experiences related to your major.
  • Each CAP/Co-op experience earn 3 credits and a maximum of 12 co-op credits may be earned.
  • CAP/Co-op experiences enhance your resume, help develop professional networks, earn money to offset college expenses, and test applications of academic theory.

Next: Find Out If You're Ready for a Co-op -->


Who is eligible?

CAP/Co-op program requirements:

  • have a declared major and be working toward a degree;
  • be a junior or senior (minimum of 60 credits)
  • minimum GPA of 2.5;
  • submission of a resume with application to the CAP/Co-op program to the Cooperative Education Department;
  • completion of this CAP/Co-op orientation;
  • completion of three online Career Services workshops (get registered to complete workshops by contacting Career Services);
  • submission of signed CAP/Co-op Code of Professional and Ethical Conduct to the Cooperative Education Department;
  • face-to-face meeting with the Director of Cooperative Education.

Next: Find Out How Long Co-op Experiences Last -->


When and for how long?

  • CAP/Co-op experiences can be taken in the fall, spring and summer semesters.
  • CAP/Co-op students are obligated to work at least 20 hours per week over 15 week period, for a total of at least 300 Hours.
  • The CAP/Co-op program experience is a multi-semester (3 minimum, with a maximum of 4, ideally consecutive) program with both in-state and out-of-state opportunities.
  • The CAP/Co-op program is flexible to meet the needs of students and employers.

Next: Find Out How You'll Show What You've Learned -->


What is an outcome paper?

  • An outcome paper is a reflection paper about your CAP/Co-op experience
  • Based on the CAP/Co-op Learning Objectives.
  • Some departments have additional requirements so talk to your CAP/Co-op faculty advisor about the departments expectations.
  • Journaling Helps: documenting job responsibilities, how did it help you with Career decisions, were you satisfied with your experience?
  • Due Date: the outcome paper is due the last week of the semester.
  • Turn in one copy to the Cooperative Education Department, and one copy to your CAP/Co-op faculty advisor.

Next: Take Your First Step -->


Step #1: Complete This Orientation

  • Complete the online orientation.
  • Print out the Orientation Agreement at the end of this presentation.
  • Complete the Orientation Agreement while you're still at your computer with this orientation open.
  • You can go back and check any answer you're not sure of.

Next: Register on the Community & Academic Partnerships System -->


Step #2: Register on the Community & Academic Partnerships System

  • Follow the instructions
  • Upload Resume

Next: Meet with the Cooperative Education office -->


Step #3: Schedule a Cooperative Education Appointment

  • Schedule face-to-face appointment with Cooperative Education Department
  • Cooperative Education Department Peoples Building Room 136

    Contact: David C. Caffo, M.B.A.,
    Director of Cooperative Education
    Office phone: (302)356-2474
    Email: david.c.caffo@wilmu.edu

Next: Let's Prepare for Success -->


Step #4: Complete Three Online Workshops:

  • Cover letters & Resumes
  • Interviewing Strategies
  • Job Search Strategies
  • Contact the co-op office to be registered for workshops

Next: Interviewing with the Employer -->


Step 5: Interviewing and Accepting a Position

  • Employers will contact you to set up an interview.
  • They may do a phone interview, and/or want to do an in-person interview.
  • When you've been offered a position, and you accept the position, contact the Cooperative Education Department.
  • Also, if you need to consider additional positions, call the Cooperative Education Department.

Next: Dress for Success for Women -->

Next: Dress for Success for Men -->


Dress for Success: Women

  • Black, gray, or navy suit (pants or skirt)
    -or-
    two-piece conservative style dress
  • -or-
  • Contrasting jacket and skirt/slacks
  • Black, navy, or tan closed-toe shoes
  • Keep jewelry to a minimum

Next: Dressing for an Interview -->


Dress for Success: Men

  • Solid color (navy, gray, charcoal gray) suit, or navy pinstripe suit
    -or-
    Dark-colored sports jacket and tan (or complementary) dress slacks
  • Conservative-style tie
  • Black, navy, or gray socks
  • Black or dark brown shoes
  • Belt

Next: Dressing for an Interview -->


Interview Dress Code: Traditional Business Attire

Never Wear:

  • Jeans
  • Athletic Wear

Avoid:

  • Low-cut shirts
  • Tight-fitting blouses
  • Short skirts
  • Body piercings (except earrings for women)
  • Sneakers

Next: Earn Credit for Your Co-op -->


By working with the Cooperative Education Department you will earn credits, but you are obligated to…

  • pay tuition (including for summer CAP/co-op experiences);
  • earn a favorable work evaluation from your employer;
  • complete the outcome paper;
  • complete any additional departmental assignments.

Next: Complete Your Co-op Agreement -->


Complete Your Orientation Agreement

Next: Submit Your Documents --->


Submit your Orientation Agreement Form to:

Cooperative Education Department
Peoples Building Room 136
320 North Dupont Highway
New Castle, DE 19720


Contact: David C. Caffo, M.B.A.,
Director of Cooperative Education,

Office phone: (302)356-2474
Email: David.c.caffo@wilmu.edu

Congratulations! You’re on Your Way to a Co-op Experience!