Co-operative Education

Jacinta Reed, Bachelor of Business (Business Information Systems) graduate.
Read what Jacinta has to say about her experience in the co-operative employment program

Co-operative education is one of the best examples of Work Integrated Learning (WIL) at RMIT University. It has been offered in the Business Portfolio for close to four decades and in today’s competitive business climate, this industry placement program is even more relevant to the needs of employers, students and the university than it has ever been.

RMIT Bachelor of Business students who elect to do the four year degree which includes the co-operative education experience have a very strong advantage in the job market. Typically “co-op” is undertaken in year three where students spend a minimum of two semesters and up to 12 months in industry. Students may select their own placement or may competitively apply to vacancies offered through RMIT. Local, national and/or international work experience are options.

During the co-op year students are able to apply the technical or discipline-related theory and skills that they acquired at university to practical situations in the workplace. Students simultaneously gain valuable insight and practice in the people and procedural skills that operate in business. When they return to the classroom in year four they are then able to further integrate their practical experiences with theory.

In particular, students participate in various learning activities and are required to complete a series of assessment tasks — starting with an organisational analysis, a business report proposal and a subsequent business report. The business report may be the culmination of business research, organisational problem solving or suggested improvements to business practices. The assessment tasks must be successfully completed in order to pass the Work Integrated Learning component of the degree.

After the Co-operative education year, students return to RMIT for their final year of academic study. Students typically demonstrate increased maturity, commitment to study, and a strong work ethic. Their graduate capabilities in communication, teamwork, planning and organising, problem solving, creativity and initiative and self management are significantly developed. They are more informed and realistic about their career goals and ultimately gain a competitive edge in the recruitment market upon graduation.

Employers recognise that graduates with co-operative education experience have that little bit extra. Demand for the following RMIT Business degree programs which include a co-operative education component has grown significantly over the past five years:

More information

Alternately, please feel free to contact the WIL Co-ordinators for further information.

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integrating work and learning