The Triangle

Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: News

CoAS Dean Donna Murasko (above) encourages all students to go on co-op and hopes to enhance the co-op program in general.

While Drexel University recognizes the significance of internships, the University focuses most of its efforts on the co-op program, which provides a deeper and more productive experience, according to Donna Murasko, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Approximately 95 percent of Drexel students participate in either the four-year or five-year co-op program, according to Peter Franks, associate vice provost and executive director of the Steinbright Career Development Center. There are, however, some Drexel students who opt for a more traditional four-year college education.

"I would love to have 100 percent of Drexel students on the co-op program. … [but] I think it's good the University has options for students," Franks said.

Murasko said she hopes that at some point in the future no student entering CoAS will opt to have no co-ops, although she acknowledged this goal would take time to reach.

"Having the co-op experience is the best way to find out what you do and don't want to do with your life," Murasko said.

Drexel is working to enhance their co-op program, according to Murasko. She said CoAS has started more co-ops at Drexel, including positions at literary magazines affiliated with the University.

Among other programs dealing with enhancing co-ops, Franks said Drexel is looking to increase the amount of co-ops working at the University in research positions since such a position may be logical for a student considering graduate school upon graduation from Drexel.

Franks also said that Drexel is hoping to increase co-op opportunities nationally and internationally in order to increase the quality and depth of co-op jobs. These expansions include scholarship funds that could help compensate students for international co-ops in countries that offer lower-paying positions.

While Drexel focuses on co-ops, they do offer internship resources for students who would prefer a more traditional four-year schedule, according to Franks. These resources include workshops on resumes and job interviews, information sessions with businesses, career counseling and listings for part-time job opportunities.

Though other schools in the area do not have a co-op program like Drexel, they do offer work experience for their students.

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