EXTERNSHIPS, INTERNSHIPS AND CoOps
Experiential education is an integral part of the VSB curriculum. Every undergraduate student is encouraged to participate in externship/leadership programs and complete at least one business internship CoOp experience as a means of gaining real-world experience and applying knowledge gained in the classroom. Participation in externship/leadership programs, part-time or full-time internships, and CoOp experiences provides students with valuable opportunities to:
- Make the connection between business theory and practice
- Gain insights into career interests and 鈥渢est the waters鈥� before committing to a specific career path or profession
- Explore what it is like to work in a particular industry or organization on a daily basis
- Develop a competitive edge by having proven business experience to offer future employers
- Earn a full-time job offer with an internship employer, as many organizations utilize their internship programs as a pipeline for entry-level hires
EXTERNSHIPS/LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
Externship/Leadership programs are typically one to several days in length and are hosted on-site by a company. The experiences often include an introduction to the organization and overview of available career paths, professional skill-building opportunities, and networking with professionals from the host organization. Some employers use their programs to identify students to whom they wish to extend internship offers for the following summer. All externship/leadership programs are non-credit bearing.
INTERNSHIPS
VSB students are encouraged to participate in at least one internship during their college career, regardless of whether or not they receive academic credit. Internships are offered during the fall and spring semesters, as well as over the summer.
COOPERATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAM
VSB鈥檚 CoOp program provides students with the opportunity to experience complete immersion in a professional work environment, during the spring of their sophomore year or during their junior year. A CoOp experience is six months in length (fall: July-December; spring: January-June), during which time the student works at the sponsoring organization on a full-time basis. Work content mirrors that of an entry-level professional. ;
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT
Our team provides assistance to students around a variety of experiential education opportunities. Please reach out to us to book an appointment with a member of our team.
O'DONNELL CENTER WORKSHOP SERIES
The O鈥橠onnell Center for Professional Development provides assistance to students around a variety of experiential education opportunities. The O'Donnell Center Workshop Series informs students of available opportunities, prepares them to actively participate in the internship search, and provides appropriate support along the way.
