Fortune Magazine featured Drexel University and LeBow College of Business in a story about the success of college co-op programs. The story discusses the advantages that students who attend universities with a co-op program have in the job market after graduation.
The following is an excerpt from the Fortune Magazine article:
“Several universities have been combating the skills gap tension for decades by weaving professional experience into students’ college curriculum. Drexel University adopted a co-operative program in 1919 and it now has over 1,600 corporate partners worldwide (like Lockheed Martin LMT -0.81% , Boeing BA1.12%, PECO, nonprofits, government agencies, and more). It takes students five years to receive their undergraduate degree, and during those five years, they partake in three six-month co-ops, making about $45,000 over 18-total months. The format seems like an obvious solution to many colleges’ woes: It helps teach students both hard and soft skills, while also providing them with an easy means to combat student debt. Drexel President John Fry says the co-op structure also challenges his university’s professors to keep their work current.”
Drexel offers its co-op program for both undergraduate and graduate students. This optional program enables students to accept paid positions in their career fields and receive academic credit. Employment opportunities are available each June and September.
The graduate program is available for either the summer and fall or fall and winter cycles. The co-op employment can last either three or six months. Each is paid and is a full time position. More information on the co-op program is available on Drexel’s website.