hen college students can spend several months at top international firms like Goldman Sachs, they naturally come away with valuable résumé-building experience. But what’s often left out of the conversation is the value that students inject back into the business.
Ashley Inman, a human resources expert who has worked with college interns in several industries, recalled one intern at a construction firm who developed an app for the company to better track inventory — a strategic innovation that helped streamline sales. Strong and meaningful links to industry can inform curricula and programming on campus – helping to make sure academic offerings remain relevant to the needs of industry and students seeking jobs.
While shorter-term internships and other less formal arrangements are also popular, the duration and scope of co-ops allow students to move past initial learning curves and increase their chances of making a valuable contribution. “Right now, they are more important than ever as companies are scrambling to fill spots,” said Peggy Harrier, executive director of the 700-member Cooperative Education and Internship Association. The practice has also been expanding to high schools and graduate programs, she said, as the value of job-oriented practical experience is recognized.