Cooperative Education (Co-op)
Cooperative education, or co-op, can be an important part of your college experience. It is a structured, paid job that integrates with your academic studies to provide practical, relevant career experience. These positions offer real-world learning, significant contributions, and professional networking opportunities.
Why should you apply for co-op?
There are many benefits to a co-op position:
- Earn money while gaining academic credit toward your degree;
- Increase your chances of obtaining a permanent job from an employer you know;
- Get hands-on experience, allowing for a better understanding of your field of study;
- Integrate ideas you have learned in school into your work experience;
- Gain experiences that will help you refine your career goals;
- Become more confident, knowledgeable, and professionally trained;
- Connect with professionals in your field who can serve as references and connections for you; and
- Support the development of your professional portfolio.
If you are interested, talk to us! Jobs are not limited by major, though job availability is limited, based on your career goals and available opportunities in your field.
Co-op participation
Participation in co-op is dependent on available jobs in the appropriate business and industry. You will need to meet requirements set by HFC and each employer, go through their interview process, and receive an offer of co-op employment.
Contact us early at vpsa@hfcc.edu to improve your chances of being hired in time for registration deadlines.
Paid job experience
On-campus positions pay $12.50 per hour.
Off-campus salaries are set by the employer. The average salary for off-campus positions is about $12 per hour.
Earn academic credit
Students register for, pay for, receive a letter grade for, and receive 1–2 credits upon successful completion of, their cooperative education course each semester.
There is a limit of 4 co-op credits per student.
Full semester job opportunities
There is a mutual agreement between you and your employer that your co-op position will last for a full semester. This depends on many factors and may be changed under special circumstances.
You might be asked to return to your co-op job for additional semesters, which can sometimes lead to a permanent position after you graduate.
Co-op requirements and eligibility
Academic requirements
- Complete 50% of core coursework at HFC prior to your co-op assignment
- Minimum grade point average of 2.5 in core coursework
- Minimum overall grade point average of 2.0.
Program eligibility
All students who meet the above requirements are invited to apply. Opportunities are limited, based on availability of jobs in your industry.
Graduation requirements
Co-op is a requirement for graduation from these academic programs:
- Administrative and Information Management
- Architecture and Construction Technology
- Automotive Service - ASSET
- Automotive Service Management - Business Concentration
- Automotive Service Management - Technical Concentration
- Electrical Technology (required for all certificates of achievement)
- Hospitality (Culinary Arts and Hotel/Restaurant Management)
Note: Nursing and Health Careers run their own Clinical programs that fulfill any experiential learning activities that needed. Clinical placements are typically not paid positions, as they are part of your health care curriculum.
Application and responsibilities
Getting started with co-op
- Create your résumé to start applying for available positions;
- Contact us early at vpsa@hfcc.edu to improve your chances of being hired in time for registration deadlines
If you need assistance with building a résumé, contact the Career Services team to make an appointment.
After you are hired
- Register and pay for the appropriate course each semester that you have a co-op placement.
- Fulfill all terms of employment set by the employer.
- Attend required class sessions and complete all course requirements.
- Abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the employer and the College.