Co-ops

I am the supervisor and coordinator for co-ops and internships in the Technical Communication program here at UW-Stout. Potential employers: please read my letter to you.

For all of you taking ENGL 349/449 during the summer of 2008 beyond, please go to the appropriate link in Desire to Learn to find out specific information about the summer course. While I have things here on my personal page, all of the specific course material, drop boxes and other pertinent material is on D2L so it is important that you check there regularly (almost daily).

If you are interested in a co-op or internship in Technical Communication, there are some very basic things you will need to accomplish to prepare yourself.

Preparing for a Co-op (Student)

Here is a list of things you need to do to get ready:

1. Update your resume and prepare a portfolio.
2. Turn your resume into the Career Services office. I would encourage you to make an appointment with them.
3. Contact me about your interest in a co-op or internship.
4. Check the job postings in Career Services and with me on a regular basis.
5. Attend the Pre-Co-op Seminar at the Career Services office (THIS IS MANDATORY AND A UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENT).
6. Create a portfolio that you can take to potential co-op interviews (consider a electronic copy also).

Requirements for an Internship

Other basic requirements for a co-op/internship include a completion of 480 hours for a three credit internship. You must fill out all reports and have your employer fill out the appropriate reports for you. When you complete your internship you must also fill out an internship evaluation form (this is a Career Services form) in order to have your final grade submitted. Deadlines must be met to satisfy the course. Internships and co-ops must be paid or they do not satisfy the program requirements.

To be registered for ENGL 349/449 you must complete the following tasks:

1. Have an approved job description of your co-op. This approval can come from either the program director or me. A bit of advice: please make sure that your internship/co-op includes writing and editing in the job description or it probably will have a difficult time being accepted.
2. Fill out the application form, which must be signed both by the program director and me.
3. Along with the application form, you must have a list of objectives you hope to accomplish during that co-op and strategies on how you will accomplish your goals or objectives (Note: again, make them specific to that particular position, not so general they could be achieved anywhere).
4. Take all signed forms back to the Career Services office (where you will actually register for the class).
5. Please contact me before leaving campus to make sure all pieces are in place.