Penn State DuBois PAWS Co-Op: Partnering Academics and Workplace Learning for Success
Join the Penn State DuBois PAWS Co-Op program, an experience that includes career preparation coursework, summer internships, and a longer full-time work experience in your last summer going into fall. Get prepared and gain experience!
What is cooperative education?
Cooperative education, or co-op, allows students to explore career paths, prepare for their careers, gain hands-on experience, and make important connections in their fields. It blends academic coursework with internships and job experiences.
What is the Penn State DuBois PAWS Co-Op?
The PAWS Co-Op at Penn State DuBois is an elective program that will connect your classroom learning with meaningful internship and workplace experiences. Career development coursework combined with workplace experiences will prepare you to make valuable contributions in the workplace. You will graduate well equipped to find a job and be successful!
How does the PAWS Co-Op benefit students?
- By taking coursework and participating in career programs that teach students interviewing and networking skills and how to create a strong resume and cover letter
- By connecting a world-class education offered at Penn State with field experiences, earning money while in college, and having more employment options when graduating
- By getting a head start finding a well-matched career path and making professional connections
- By learning critical professional competencies that translate to workplace success and lifelong career management
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
Prepare for your career so you are ready for internships and the job market!
Take career development coursework that covers:
- Resumes
- Cover letters
- Portfolio preparation
- Interview tips
- How and why to network
- Marketing oneself
Learn about and develop career readiness competencies, as identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
- Career and Self-Development
- Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Equity and Inclusion
- Leadership
- Professionalism
- Teamwork
- Technology
Gain professional experience
- Summer internships
- A co-op experience in the final summer through part of the last year- an extended work experience
Your PAWS CO-OP experience could look like this:
What you need to do now to participate:
- Enroll in CNED 100 - Effective Career Decision-Making. This is a one-credit course available in the fall.
- After enrolling in the course, send an email to April Astorino, [email protected] to schedule a meeting.