College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

6-2017

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Philip Barlow, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

Work integrated learning (WIL) programs such as internships or co-operative education programs are a common way of providing practical experience to students while they are completing their degree. This paper will examine the benefits of WIL programs for the students, companies, and universities that actively participate in them. In addition, this analysis researches the findings of other studies on student’s success as a result of WIL programs, how companies are improved with higher quality employees, and the networking connections that universities receive due to students creating great relationships with companies. In an attempt to improve the Construction Management co-op program at California Polytechnic State University, A survey was created to analyze student’s experiences with regular 10-12 week internships, determine why students are not participating in the co-op program, and finally make a recommendation to the department on how to increase the participation in the program. As a result of the survey, 84.1% of the 59 students had not completed the Co-op program, 64.1% of the students felt their time was cut short in a regular 10-12 week internship, and 51.2% of the students did not consider the co-op program because it will extend their graduation date.

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