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Co-op program helps engineer growth of Career Fair
Bob George (at right), a Temple alumnus and a recruiter for American Infrastructure, discusses possible co-operative education employment opportunities with junior engineering student Caitlin Thomas at the College of Engineering’s career fair on Oct. 18.
Attendance at the College’s career fair has tripled over the past year and a half, from 15 companies at the first fair in March 2005 to 46 companies at this recent event.
The college’s five-year co-op program, which began in the fall semester of 2005 and provides students with two semesters and two summers of industry work experience, is largely responsible for the growth in the career fair, according to Irvin Hutcherson, director of career services for the college.
“The co-op program has tremendous potential,” Hutcherson said. “It is benefiting the college by improving our ability to recruit students, because engineering students understand the value of obtaining meaningful work experience before you graduate. And since it is a five-year program, it also assists us with student retention.”
Fifteen of the companies attending the career fair were specifically recruiting for co-op positions, while more than 45 companies have committed to participating in the engineering co-op program, Hutcherson said.
— Preston M. Moretz
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