Properly perceived and used, the Co-op Program is attractive to most employers. Co-op students can assist employers meet specific and/or short term manpower needs. Co-op students can be used to free regular employees for projects and tasks which they seem unable to start or complete under the full load of their regular duties.

Many employers view the Co-op Program as their most cost-effective recruiting tool. They can identify strong candidates for permanent job positions and “shape” them throughout the duration of the work experience so that they are very well suited to their organizational needs. Since many Co-op students and employers also see the merits of having Co-op students work for different employers, gaining a more diversified background. Employers should be willing to help develop Co-op students at all levels whether or not they are earmarked for eventual permanent employment with their particular company.

Contact with Co-op students and the University Representative who visits the Co-op site helps employers become exposed to new ideas and new developments in higher education. Employers also can express some of their needs and problems and in so doing they may learn of University resources which can be made available to them, i.e., seminars, workshops, consultants, and specially designed on-site training programs. Such dialogue might also lead to changes in University courses and programs, and consequently, the background of students entering industry.

There are many employers who, apart from the benefits mentioned, take pleasure from the fact that they are making a positive contribution to the educational process and the career development of University students. Here's what a few of them have said from hosting a Co-op program:

Marathon Oil Company:
The co-op program has benefited Marathon Oil Company in the following ways: It gives us an economical means of addressing cyclic manpower needs. It allows MOC to evaluate students for potential long-term employment. The co-op program benefits the students in the following ways: The students are able to take their classroom training and apply it in business situations. It allows the student to demonstrate his/her abilities above and beyond a resume for future employment.

Rudolph-Libbe:
We view the co-op program at BGSU as not only a way to fill short-term project needs with qualified individuals, but also as a recruiting tool. We look at our involvement in this program as a two way street. We get the opportunity to see a student’s capability and work habits first-hand to see if it meshes with our needs. The student in turn gets a realistic view of our company and can determine if our work environment could meet their permanent employment needs after graduation.

SFC Graphics:
It is difficult for students to get jobs without experience and co-op gives them this experience. It helps them plan for their futures. Co-op is good for both the students and the employer; it is a sharing of knowledge. Students help us keep up to date on new technology, which they bring from other co-op experiences. We have found great employees and contacts through the co-op program.