West Texas A&M University

Cooperative Education / Internship Program

Spring 2004 Executive Summary

 

The co-op / internship program at WTAMU began in the spring of 1994.  A Title VIII Department of Education grant started the program and placed the first students in the spring of 1994.  Our vital statistics for the past ten years include:

 

Ø     Monitored 1,064 individual placements to date (48 in Spring 2004)

Ø     Placed 486 students in paid internships / co-op jobs (unduplicated count)

Ø     Average GPA of the Spring 2004 class – 3.27

Ø     Average wage for the Spring 2004 class - $10.71 per hour

Ø     Total dollars earned by the Spring 2004 class - $168,070

Ø     Total dollars earned by all co-op / internship students to date - $3,434,577

 

In the academic year to date, the co-op / internship program has also helped over 1,800 students through both online and in-person résumé and interviewing workshops.  Additionally, our counselors have provided career counseling to 377 students to date during the 2003-04 school year.  This counseling and guidance helps students determine their best career path.

 

Intern to Full-Time for Spring 2004

 

As the spring semester ended, many of our graduating interns went on to work full time in their field, either with their internship employer or in a related position.  Of the 48 students who were placed this semester, 13 graduated.  Of these graduates, the following gained full-time jobs in their field:

 

Brosier & Buchanan Partners, P.C.

·       Amy Montoya (ACCT)

Herring National Bank

·       Derek Tran (CS)

·       Rooster Wheeler (CIS)

 

Brown, Graham & Company        

·       Michael Calahan (ACCT)

·       Lauren Goebel (ACCT)

·       Dana Hill (ACCT)

 

OJD Engineering

·       Toby Tarver (ENGINEERING TECH.)

Disney

·       Wayne Gourley (THEATER)

 

Pantex

·       Jonathan Bolz (CIS)

·       Tiffany Harris (CIS)

·       Malaivahn Kayakone (CS)
(pending budget approval)

 

 

Participating Employers

For a current list of employers who have participated in our program, please see http://wtcareer.wtamu.edu/coop/coopemp.htm.

 

Selected Student Comments

 

 

“I never had the opportunity to work in a true professional environment until this FDIC experience came along.  Even though I lacked experience in the corporate world, I have made the adjustment….This experience has opened my eyes to the limitless opportunities that are out there.”

                                                                           Crencencio Ramirez, accounting major from Perryton, Texas

                                                                           FDIC Internship

 

 

“This internship aided me in the growth process of transitioning into adulthood….Prior to this semester, I had never lived away from home.  I was able to experience my first apartment (and my first lease- the first legal commitment I have ever signed), my first utilities bill, and many other first-time experiences….I learned the transition to adulthood is nothing to fear; and to the contrary, is an exciting new step in the process of growing up.”

                                                                           Chris Eaton, economics major from Amarillo, Texas

                                                                           FDIC Internship

 

 

“Living, learning, and earning.  Three aspects that make up the experience of a lifetime.  Through the good times and the bad, this experience was amazing.  I have met people I will be friends with the rest of my life and made connections with people in my career field that will help me in my future goals.”

                                                                           Ashley Krick, dance major from Ovalo, Texas

                                                                           Walt Disney World Internship

 

 

“Job experience is important for an individual to have because it seems that all job openings require people who have some type of experience….The internship allowed me to get hands on experience which will be very beneficial to me in the future.”

                                                           Toby Tarver, engineering technology major from Canyon, Texas

                                                                           OJD Engineering Internship

 

 

“I have learned many different things through this experience.  I have a lot more self-confidence in my ability to make good sound accounting decisions.  Family Support Services has made me feel very much appreciated….After this internship, I will continue to be involved with non-profit agencies.  I like how they truly try to improve our community.”

                                                                           Anne Carpenter, accounting major from Amarillo, Texas

                                                                           Family Support Services Internship

 

 

“The internship taught me how to do event planning and the importance of staying on top of deadlines.  I also really strengthened my computer and communication skills.  All of these skills will help me throughout my career.”

                                                                           Rachel Young, general business major from Amarillo, Texas

                                                                           WTAMU Development Office Internship

 

 

“This internship helped me improve my communication skills, it taught me how to adjust and I got to see a lot of things I don’t get to see at home.  I am nowhere near where I would like to be, but I’ve learned how to communicate with people from all over the world.  I can’t wait to go back to school and use some of my new skills.”

                                                                           Brad Randle, marketing major from Clinton, Oklahoma

                                                                           Walt Disney World Internship