THE
RESOURCE
FOR
ACADEMIC
DEVELOPMENT
&
SCHOOLING
 

  Scholarships

  University

  College

  Studying

  Jobs / Careers

  Money


 

As the job market becomes more and more competitive, employers (even the local department store or restaurant) want employees to have work-related experience. 

But how do I get experience if no one wants to hire me? 

This is a common dilemma for students. An excellent way to get experience is to volunteer your time to not-for-profit organizations such as nursing homes, hospitals, libraries, etc. 
 

But an even better choice is to participate in the co-operative education program at your high school. With the co-op program, you go to school in the morning and work for a business in the afternoon, during your senior year of high school. 
 

There are many ADVANTAGES to the program: 

• Gain real-world experience working for a company
• Get hands-on experience on equipment normally not accessible to educational institutions
• A great possibility of the business hiring you once your co-op term is over
• Meeting new people and making contacts
• Learn important job hunting skills like resume writing and interviewing
• You may earn a little bit of cash in the form of an honorarium

Although the benefits of the high school co-op program are enormous, there are some DISADVANTAGES: 

• Since you are a high school co-op student, the company will most likely not pay you for your services
• Participating in the program means that you might not have the opportunity to play on school teams
• Although you are taking fewer courses, you will likely have less time to do your school work compared to your fellow non-coop students which may result in lower grades
   

Co-op isn't for everyone. To be successful, both in school and on the job, you must manage your time wisely and be willing to lose some of the benefits of having an afternoon off. 

You must decide if the real-world experience is more beneficial to you than the better grades that might lead to scholarships. 
 

www.theRADS.cjb.net