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Cooperative Education

Work-Based Learning

Cooperative Education (Co-op) and Internships are an educational partnership between Highline College, the business community, and our students. Co-op/ internships allow students the opportunity to apply the knowledge they learn in the classroom to a practical work environment. Students earn credit and a grade while working full or part-time in positions related to their career and academic goals. These work-based experiences may be paid or unpaid. Participation in the Cooperative Education/Internship program is an option for students earning Certificates and Associate in Applied Science Degrees. For some programs, it is a required element of the completion of your credential.  

Work-based learning is a unique opportunity for students to apply their academic preparation to "real world" settings.

Value for Students

Students can benefit from a positive work-based learning experience in several ways:

  • Gain valuable work-based experience and skills related to your area of study 
  • Apply what learning in the classroom in the real world 
  • Explore occupations and clarify career goals 
  • Identify additional training needed to land a job in the chosen field 
  • Receive mentorship from faculty and site supervisor
  • Build relationships with industry professionals and potential employers
  • Secure references for future job opportunities
  • Increase competitive edge when applying for future employment

Value for Employers

Employers also gain advantages from a successful work-based learning experience:

  • Mentor and train future talent on the skills and knowledge that are essential for your industry
  • Gain access to future candidates who have work experience and relevant skills 
  • Entry-level support for daily operations 
  • Provide input on the skills, knowledge, and aptitudes students need- helping ensure curriculum stays current and relevant
  • Develop a partnership with the local community college 

Frequently Asked Questions

To begin a work-based learning experience, students must have:

  • At least 15 college-level credits earned at Highline
  • GPA of 2.0 or greater
  • A plan to identify where you will intern and who will be your faculty advisor
  • Current resume

A completed first page of the Student Co-op/ Internship Learning Agreement 

Which programs have cooperative education opportunities?

  • Accounting 
  • Business
  • Business Information Technology (BSTEC)
  • Computer Information Systems
  • Criminal Justice
  • Drafting
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Graphic Design
  • Health Care Professions
  • Hospitality and Tourism Management
  • Human Services
  • Interior Design
  • Medical Assisting
  • Multi-Media Design
  • Paralegal

Searching for "Cooperative Education" Classes

  1. Search for classes with the keyword search term "Cooperative Education "in the "More Filters" option.
  2. Click the Search button to display classes by quarter.
  3. Contact the instructor listed for more information.

What are learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are specific statements of what students will be able to do when they successfully complete a learning experience (whether it's a project, course, or work-based learning program). They are always written in a student-centered, measurable fashion that is concise, meaningful, and achievable.

Purpose of learning outcomes

  • Learning Outcomes are statements that clearly define what a student will learn during the co-op/internship.
  • The outcomes should help the student, the Site Supervisor, and the Faculty Advisor evaluate the intern's learning progress.
  • Learning Outcomes should not try to cover all aspects of the experience, but instead focus on select areas that the student will be exposed to throughout the quarter
  • Each Learning Outcome should involve new learning, expanded growth, or improvement on the job

Guidelines for writing learning outcomes

  • A minimum of one (1) outcome for each credit, can be up to five (5) for longer internships. 
  • Each Learning Outcome should be specific, measurable, and limited to a single definite result. A

measurable Learning Outcome is a statement that clearly and precisely describes what it is the intern will accomplish by performing a task(s).

Examples of strong learning outcomes

These examples include action words that are specific and measurable.

  • Create, organize, and execute email campaigns using platforms such as MailChimp, Constant Contact, or Get Response during campaign implementation alongside communications coordinator.
  • Network and establish professional contacts in the (specific) industry by attending PR events and attending client meetings.
  • Learn and use technical skills to input shipping information into the software application.
  • Using Excel, develop financial spreadsheets to organize and maintain budget and invoice records.
  • Develop better written communication skills by producing original online content. 
  • Develop critical-thinking skills by contributing original ideas directly to organization head and development team in brainstorm sessions
The following are examples of tasks

These are NOT learning outcomes, but they can be "how" a student accomplishes an outcome. 

  • Intern will work on PowerPoint presentations.
  • Intern will post social media content on various social media channels.
  • Intern will participate as a team member in day to day office tasks.
  • Intern will attend client meetings.
  • Intern will assist with preparation and delivery of marketing materials.

Questions?

Please reach out to us at wfpathways@highline.edu