Frequently Asked Questions???

Q: What is Cooperative Education?

A: The Cooperative Education Program at Montgomery College is an optional program desgined to permit students to integrate classroom learning with on-the-job experience in a business, government, technical, or professional field.  CO-OP students will be employed in positions which are directly related to their chosen fields of study.

Q:  Where are CO-OP students placed?

A: Most CO-OP and Internship students work in the Washington metropolitan area, but some students have chosen work experiences in other states, such as, California, West Virginia, and New York.

Q: What are students paid?

A: CO-OP students earn between $7.00 - $15.00 per hour.

Q:  How many hours do students work?

A: CO-OP students must complete a minimum of 15 hours per week (225 hours must be completed during the semester).

Q:  What are the benefits to students?

A: The benefits to students are:

• Receive college credit for work in your major
• Earn money for tuition and expenses
• Improve opportunites for post-graduation employment
• Apply classroom learning to actual on-the-job experiences
• Develop maturity, professionalism, and self-confidence
• Learn how to work with colleagues in a professional atmosphere
• Test career objectives and gain valuable experience in a chosen career

Q: What are the benefits to employers participating in the CO-OP Program?

A: The benefits to employers are:

• Pre-screened, high achieving students
• Cost-effective recruitment and training
• New academic knowledge for their business
• Potential employees without a long-term commitment

Q:  Where have some CO-OP students been placed?

A: A very short list of past Co-op placements includes: National Institutes of Health, WRC-TV, The White House, Marriott, Lockheed Martin, Voice of America, IBM, Euromotor Cars, Georgetown Law Center, Suburban Hospital, National Aquarium, Washington Post, Telecommunications Techniques Corporation, Univax Biologics

Q:  Who is eligible to participate in the CO-OP Program?

A: Students with, at least, 12 credits in college, two courses completed in the major, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
Employers with jobs who are willing to establish, at least, a  semester long partnership between your organization, the student and the Montgomery College CO-OP Office.