What Are Cooperative Programs for Business and Management Students?
This article explains why business and management students should pursue cooperative programs. We know finding the best co-op opportunities can be tough, so we’ll also list some of the top programs for business students. We’ll also share tips on how to choose the right program for you.
A college degree is important to enter the job market. But is this all you need? No. A college degree should be backed with proof of practical experience. This is where cooperative programs for business students come in.
Cooperative programs have gained wide adoption in practice. Cooperative education blends classroom learning with paid work experiences in fields related to students’ career goals.
Featured Programs
As a business, finance, and management student, you should take co-op education very seriously. Your co-op experience is a chance for you to really grow. It’ll help you gain knowledge and skills far ahead of your age. If you make the most of it, this experience could open doors and lead to amazing opportunities beyond what you can imagine!
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- Types of Cooperative Degree Programs: Internship vs. Work-Study Models
Why Choose a Cooperative Program in Business and Management?
Co-op programs are a great choice for students who want to build successful careers, and they’re increasingly more popular now because of the benefits they offer. Here’s how a co-op program can help you personally and professionally:
Obtain practical experience.
This benefit alone gives you several reasons to consider a co-op program. Participating in a co-op allows you to use what you learn in school in a real job.
For example, if you learned about social media marketing in class, you can now use that knowledge to create real campaigns for a company. You’ll determine which strategies are most effective, track how people engage with your posts, and make changes based on feedback. By the time you start looking for a job, you’ll already have practical experience to show potential employers.
These practical experiences will greatly enhance your resume and make you more competitive in the job market. A National Association of Colleges & Employers survey found that 91% of employers prefer hiring candidates with work experience, including co-op and internship programs.
Build a professional network.
You probably know by now that business and management sectors are often all about who you know rather than what you know. While business schools offer networking events, they can’t compare to the connections you make during co-op programs. During work terms, you can meet professionals in the field. This can lead to mentorship opportunities or even job offers after you graduate.
Enhance skills.
Business skills are essential to running an organization smoothly. They help you understand what impacts success and how to reach goals. To succeed, you need a mix of soft skills, like leadership and communication, plus hard skills, like financial accounting.
During your co-op program, you’ll be able to improve and develop important skills in a real work environment. Tackling real-world challenges will teach you how to think critically and make decisions under pressure. You’ll also learn about teamwork, project management, and problem-solving—essential business success skills.
Top Cooperative Programs for Business Majors
Rochester Institute of Technology
RIT offers some of the best business co-op programs for students. As a student, you can co-op and intern with leading companies in every business sector. In fact, RIT is ranked among the top schools for co-op and internship programs by U.S. News & World Report.
All business majors participate in co-op programs. As a result, RIT has a high outcome rate. Within six months of graduation, 95% of business students are employed, in grad school, serving in the military, or volunteering. Some of the top companies RIT partners with include:
- Bank of America
- Cantor Fitzgerald
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Intuit
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- KPMG LLP
- Mozilla
- Nike Inc.
- Oracle
- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- United Airlines
- The Walt Disney Company
Co-op opportunities at RIT allow students to earn a full-time salary. This helps cover tuition and college expenses and can also lead to financial independence after graduation.
La Salle University
La Salle’s Business Scholars Co-Op Program (BSCP) has offered students real-world experience at top companies while allowing them to earn a degree in four years. Students work in their field for up to 12 months, gaining valuable experience that prepares them for future challenges.
As a BSCP scholar, you will:
- Attend academic courses and professional development workshops.
- Earn a salary and academic credits for co-op work.
- Engage in travel study courses to explore global business.
- Combine programs like the University Honors Program and more.
- Access business opportunities in a major metropolitan area.
Here’s a list of partner companies typically associated with BSCP:
- Bank of America
- Deloitte
- Johnson & Johnson
- Lockheed Martin
- Comcast
Baruch College
The Zicklin Business Co-Op Program offers a four to six-month paid work experience to enhance your career readiness. Partnering with Baruch’s Starr Career Development Center, the program includes two semesters.
In the first semester, you take a 1-credit professional development course and apply for co-op positions. In the second semester, you work full-time in your co-op role while enrolled in a zero-credit course. After completing the co-op, you return to finish your studies.
Northeastern University
Cooperative education and experiential learning are key to every D’Amore-McKim student’s experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Here are a few testimonials of how good Northeastern’s co-op experiences get.
Employer Perspective: Julien Levesque, DMSB’12, Senior Director at Shark Ninja, says, “You can always tell when someone went to Northeastern. Their Co-op Preparation course truly equips students with professional skills.”
Student Reflections:
Tara Boyle, BSBA’20, shares, “My three co-ops helped me narrow my interests and gain invaluable mentorship.”
Lindis Barry, BSIB’19, adds, “My work experience gives me a clear vision of my career goals and sets me apart in the job market.”
The College of New Jersey
About 75% of TCNJ business students complete internships or co-ops, giving them a competitive edge in the job market. Co-ops are paid for credit and require at least 20 hours a week. Students gain valuable experience and mentorship, proving to employers they’re ready for full-time roles.
- Bank of America Merrill Lynch
- Deloitte
- Goldman Sachs
- JPMorgan Chase & Co.
- PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
You can also find several co-op programs for management degrees at TCNJ.
Best Co-op Options for Finance Students
The schools mentioned above also offer several business and finance cooperative education. Additionally, the following schools also provide excellent co-op opportunities for finance students:
University of Pennsylvania
Wharton students often engage in internships at prestigious firms like Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, focusing on investment banking, private equity, and corporate finance.
University of California, Berkeley
Haas partners with tech firms, investment banks, and startups, offering diverse co-op roles from corporate finance to venture capital.
Ohio State University
As one of the top co-op schools for business majors, Fisher’s connections with regional banks and multinational corporations provide students with practical experiences in various finance functions.
Co-op programs in finance allow you to:
- Provide financial planning services and sell investment products.
- Collaborate with clients, colleagues, and industry professionals to achieve organizational goals.
- Work within the banking, investment, financial planning, or insurance sectors.
- Analyze and evaluate financial products and services for clients.
- Develop and implement tailored financial plans and strategies.
- Offer clients informed investment advice.
- Manage and oversee client portfolios and assets.
- Provide guidance on risk management strategies.
- Stay updated on industry regulations, financial products, and market trends.
You could be a great fit for these co-op programs if you enjoy:
- Using your previous degree or diploma to succeed in the financial services field.
- Helping clients achieve their financial goals with personalized advice and strategies.
- Working in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment that prioritizes quick service and effective solutions.
- Building strong relationships with diverse people and earning their trust to meet their financial needs.
- Applying your skills in different areas like banking, investing, lending, and insurance to offer complete financial solutions.
There is also a combined co-op education in finance and management that allows you to explore both fields simultaneously. These programs can enhance your understanding of financial principles while also developing your management skills.
You should, however, note that finance co-ops can be expensive. If you have a tight budget, we suggest prioritizing affordable cooperative programs for business and finance. Some of the best schools offering less expensive co-ops are Ohio State University and Baruch College.
Co-op Opportunities for Management Degrees
The benefits of business co-op degrees in management are vast! They give you the chance to really understand what makes businesses succeed. You’ll dive into financial management, learning how to handle budgets, investments, and financial strategies effectively.
You’ll also explore marketing basics, discovering how to promote products and build strong customer relationships. Plus, you’ll learn about strategic business planning and developing creative strategies to help organizations grow.
But it’s not just about the core skills. Many co-op programs pair students with mentors who are experienced leaders. This mentorship provides insights into effective leadership styles and strategies, giving you a model to emulate.
Furthermore, as you work closely with colleagues and supervisors, you establish a network of contacts that can be beneficial throughout your career. These connections often extend beyond your co-op experience.
Some of the top co-op options available for management students include:
- Corporate Internships
- Startups and Small Businesses
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Government Agencies
- Consulting Firms
- Retail Management
- Project Management Roles
How to Choose the Right Cooperative Program for Your Business Career
Are you more fitted in co-op opportunities for finance students? Or are you more suited to management degree co-op options? Or maybe just general business co-ops?
No matter what major you choose, the process of finding the right co-op is similar. Here are some tips to help you select the best co-op for your future career:
Program Length
Co-op students usually work full-time for a longer stretch than interns do, often taking a semester off from classes. These programs can last anywhere from three months to over a year. In some setups, students switch back and forth between school and co-op so they can apply what they’re learning in class to real-world work experiences.
Consider how long you want to commit to the co-op. Think about your academic schedule and how a longer co-op might enhance your learning.
Industry Focus
Before making a choice, outline your career goals clearly. Do you want to have a career in finance, management, or business? Once you decide, you should check the school’s reputation in that area. Ask these questions:
- What companies are they partnered with?
- Are these companies well-known in the industry?
- Are they paid or for credits?
Also, look into the success stories of past students. This can give you a good idea of the opportunities that might come your way.
Financial Aid Options
Don’t forget to check out the financial aspects of the co-op. Some programs offer stipends or academic credit, which can help ease costs. Look into scholarships or grants specifically for co-op students, as these can make a big difference in your budget. It’s also smart to talk to the financial aid office at your school—they might have resources or advice to help you fund your co-op experience.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Cooperative Education in Business
Co-op programs in business give you real-world experience that can really boost your resume. This puts you ahead of the pack at most companies and makes a strong case for landing a higher starting salary!
However, how co-op programs help business careers really depends on how well you plan. Choosing the wrong co-op education can set you back, while the right one can boost your skills and connections. For instance, the best cooperative education for future managers might not be ideal for someone focused on finance. Take the time to research thoroughly.