In the past two semesters the number of students who have applied to the Co-op Program has been less than the number of positions available. In the spring of 2008 the Engineering Co-op Program started handing out a “Co-op Company Profile” booklet to students listing positions of co-op companies that will be interviewing in an effort to increase student enrollment. The booklet contained statements made by companies as to why the Co-op Program is beneficial for companies and students. The booklet had a positive effect and enrollment seemed to increase.

The purpose of the booklet is to encourage students to apply to the Co-op Program and participate in the interview process. We are counting on the information that companies provide in the booklet to energize students and make them excited about the Co-op Program. Thus, the information that you put in the booklet will be an important recruitment tool.

We are also aware that companies want students to desire to interview with them. The information that you put in the booklet should advertise your company. This is an opportunity to let students know why they should want to work in your company.

We would like to provide the students with this booklet early in the recruitment and interview process in order for it to be effective in drawing students into the Co-op Program. We are asking that companies provide the information by September 26, 2008 for the fall recruitment.

If you would like a page in our booklet, please email us your one page with your company logo, a description of your company, a description of the positions available, and a statement as to why you believe involvement in the Co-op Program is beneficial to students. The pages will be standard size (8.5” x 11”) printed in black and white. An example of the one page submission from an imaginary company can be downloaded here. Each company will be allowed only one page.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Ashly Spevacek at 612.625.5326 or at co-op@me.umn.edu.

Best Regards,

Ashly Spevacek
Co-op Coordinator

Virgil Marple
Program Director