From the Classroom to the Conference Room: The Crown Co-Op Experience

Every semester, millions of college students nationwide look to gain valuable work experience through a co-op or internship.

Many are seeking positions that align with their major, hoping to fine-tune their desired career path or even get a head start when it comes time to find a post-graduation job.

Crown places special attention on its co-op program, with hundreds of students participating each year. Many co-ops return for multiple semesters, moving to different assignments throughout the company to learn more about how they can apply their education and experience.

Co-op students at Crown are considered the same as other valued employees. They receive the same onboarding and training. They may participate in project planning meetings. Most importantly, students experience real-world responsibility. This may seem like a lot to expect, but isn’t the goal to provide the same experience as a current employee?

Co-ops and internships enhance the educational experience and help prepare students for the working world following graduation. They should give students an understanding of what it would be like to work in various positions and for various companies in the future.

“We aren’t really treated differently than the other employees,” noted one student. “We have actual projects that require work and collaboration.”

Crown offers multiple resources to help train and educate co-ops as much as possible during their semester. However, the Crown co-op program also provides broad exposure to the company. Throughout the term, co-ops are invited to communication days, plant tours, training sessions and various other activities. These events are scheduled to give co-ops valuable experiences while learning about the company and networking with other employees. Students are given the freedom to create their own ideas and make a lasting impact on the company.

Co-ops are also asked to prepare presentations that showcases the various projects they participated in throughout the semester. This information is presented to peers and management to provide the students with one last opportunity to network and learn from one another before returning to school.

A semester as a co-op is an excellent experience for students and their fellow employees. Here are some tips provided by Crown co-ops for ensuring a successful experience:

• Ask a lot of questions
• Be observant
• Be willing to get out of your comfort zone 
• Stay calm and be comfortable with your colleagues
• Take the initiative to ask for challenging projects
• Always work hard
• Share your perspectives with your co-workers
• The more you contribute, the more you will learn

For more information about co-op and internship opportunities at Crown, visit crown.jobs and search the keyword "co-op.