成人头条

Since 1979, WSU鈥檚 Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning has helped place more than 27,800 students in the workforce.

In turn, the relationships built and benefits gained are as valuable to employers as they are to students.

Students provide a younger point of view and a sense of where the future is heading, said Kufahl.

In addition to a new perspective, employers benefit from experienced students in the workforce.

鈥淓ventually, down the road, there鈥檚 somebody who is already trained who could step up and take a position in the company,鈥� said Kufahl.

WSU鈥檚 cooperative education department, loosely known as co-op, has worked with 2,281 businesses since 1997. The variety of opportunities available allows students of all majors to gain work experience through internships and job placements.

鈥淭he main benefit is real-world business experience,鈥� said Nathan Purdum, a senior co-op student at 成人头条 State who works as a market research assistant for Foulston Siefkin LLP.

鈥淗aving direct contact with an executive at our firm is something I wouldn鈥檛 have expected at my age before co-op."

Long-time employer partnerships

Companies can take advantage of the program鈥檚 benefits regardless of whether they hire students full-time after graduation, said Kufahl.

鈥淚t鈥檚 inexpensive talent that you get every year,鈥� she said.
The value of co-op benefits has translated into long-lasting partnerships with community employers.

Some of the program鈥檚 first partnerships started 30 years ago and remain to this day.

Companies include Beech Aircraft Corp. (Hawker Beechcraft), First National Bank, KAKE TV 10, KWCH TV 12, NCR Corp. (LSI Logic), USD 259 and 成人头条 Children鈥檚 Home.

Andrew Ek, manager of college relations for Koch Industries Inc., said 成人头条 State鈥檚 cooperative education program is a mutually beneficial relationship.

Whether connecting with the community, hiring new students or building the future, employers continue to find value in the program.

鈥淜och companies value the co-op program,鈥� said Ek. 鈥淚t's not only an important part of our business strategy, but the program opens doors for students and provides an opportunity for students' future growth and success.鈥�

As part of the program, applicants are prescreened and interviewed based on requested information from the employer.

To protect the student and the employer, companies list a position on co-op鈥檚 database and allow students to apply.

鈥淓very position has to be approved by a coordinator,鈥� said Kufahl. 鈥淲e make sure it鈥檚 a legitimate learning experience.鈥�

Businesses working with WSU鈥檚 co-op program foster relationships with both staff and students. Staff can meet with the employer and help them decide which students are best for them.

The co-op program also makes it easy for employers to interview an applicant.

鈥淲e鈥檒l have an interview day where we can set up interviews for the employer and have them come interview the students here,鈥� said Kufahl. 鈥淜ind of a one-stop shop deal.鈥�

With easy interviews, a convenient application process and a commitment to students, co-op strives to provide employers and students the best overall experience; 30 years and counting.

Co-op is valuable for everyone, said Kufahl. 鈥淓mployers get fresh talent, fresh ideas and get to learn the newest crazes.鈥�

For more information on 成人头条鈥檚 Office of Cooperative Education and Work-Based Learning call (316) 978-3688 or visit .