Basics of Co-Op Ed Internships for Employers
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Cooperative Education (Co-Op) internships create educational partnerships among Montana State University Billings, the business community, and students.
This unique academic program allows students to earn academic credit, and often a wage, while combining classroom learning with practical work experience. In 2013-14, 196 students earned 811 CE credits; paid interns earned $13.48/hr, on average.
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Co-Op Ed is first and foremost an educational program that provides work experience relevant to students' fields of study.
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No more than 20% of an intern's responsibilities may be administrative or unrelated to their field.
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Students are required to work a minimum of 45 hours for one credit; 3 credits = 135 hours of work.
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On average, interns work 10-12 hours per week during a 15-week semester.
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Employers offering paid internships attract more students. The more an intern is treated like an employee, the more he or she will act like one. See the Fair Labor Standards Act for details.
Timing Is Everything...
We would like to help you recruit the best possible intern, so timing is crucial in advertising and promoting your internship opportunity. Please use the following guidelines when submitting your posting:
If you want an intern during: | Submit your posting the previous: |
Fall | April |
Spring | November |
Summer | February |
Interns = Employees
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Internships are a great way to recruit new employees.
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Hosting an intern saves on recruitment costs.
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Hiring interns is a great way to test-drive future employees.
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Internships help build a stronger workforce in the community.
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See Worker's Compensation & insurance guidelines for employers hiring student interns.
Pursuant to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Vietnam era and Disabled Veterans Act, as amended, and the Montana State Human Rights Act—Montana State University Billings has a policy of nondiscrimination in employment practices and in admissions, access to and conduct of educational programs and activities.
Discrimination is prohibited on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or marital status. Any student, employee, applicant for admission or employment may file a discrimination grievance. Inquiries or grievances should be directed to the Human Resources/EEO-AA Director in McMullen Hall Room 310, phone 406-657-2278.
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodations may review Policies & Procedures.