Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions for Parents/Families section of Career Services! We hope that these questions will help answer any questions you have about our office and the services we provide. If after viewing this you still have questions please feel free to contact us by email or in person. Thank you!
- What kinds of services does your office provide for my son/daughter?
- When should my son/daughter start using Career Services?
- Can parents/family members access what companies are coming to campus?
- What is a Co-op and how is it different than an internship?
- How does my son/daughter find a Co-op/internship or full-time employment?
- Can my son/daughter get credit for a Co-op/internship?
- Will my son/daughter be considered a full-time student while they are participating in a Co-op/internship?
- Does my son/daughter have to pay for the Co-op/internship?
- What type of career will my son/daughter qualify for after graduation?
- What kind of salary range could my son/daughter expect in a job in their major?
- My son/daughter graduated several months ago; will your office still help him/her?
What kinds of services does your office provide for my son/daughter?
The Career Services offices provides many career-related services including:
- Individual Consultation - Counselors are available to meet with your son/daughter to discuss effective career related topics such as job search strategies, interview skill development, and resume writing.
- Stout CareerLink - By completing a brief profile and uploading at least one resume on [Stout CareerLink] found on the Career Services™ website your son/daughter can have access to the following services.
By completing a brief profile and uploading at least one resume on [Stout CareerLink] found on the Career Services’ website your son/daughter can have access to the following services.
- Job Vacancy List: List of full-time and Co-op/internship employment opportunities online.
- On-Campus Interview List: As a current student or alumni your son/daughter has the opportunity to interview on-campus with Co-op/internship or postgraduate employers.
- EmployOn: Powerful job search engine that allows students to do a nationwide job search.
- Reference USA: Online directory of over 14 million U.S. businesses and organizations provides contacts and company information.
- InterviewStream: A private recorded [practice interview] with a virtual interviewer which can then be reviewed and/or critiqued.
- Going Global: Search for jobs or Co-op/internship positions in countries worldwide.
- Mentor Search: Contact alumni, faculty and others in their field to assist with career and job search matters.
- CareerSpots: These are short videos that feature the practical information your son/daughter needs to find the job they want. Whether they are starting their career, seeking a Co-op/Internship or a summer job, CareerSpots can be very helpful.
- Co-op/internship Program: This program assists your son/daughter in finding paid work opportunities related to their major while they receive academic credit, and real world work experience in their major field of study.
- Career Conference: Each October hundreds of employers attend the conference to talk to students about careers with their organization, including postgraduate or Co-op/internship positions. Freshmen through Masters students are encouraged to attend.
- Resume Writing, Interviewing, and Job Search Strategies Workshops: Workshop schedules are posted in our office and on the Career Services website.
- Open Houses: These informal on-campus presentations provide helpful information on job opportunities, the application process, and other helpful employer information.
- Resource Center: Located in the Career Services office and consists of computers and printers; company, school and agency information; job vacancy list; employer information; resume writing, cover letters, interviewing, and other job search information.
When should my son/daughter start using Career Services?
We welcome your son/daughter as soon as they begin their college experience. We strongly encourage your son/daughter to use our services when beginning to write a resume, are looking for a Co-op/internship, have questions about interviewing or are graduating and looking for full-time employment. Check out our Four Year Action Plan to see how you can help your son/daughter each year they are attending UW-Stout.
Can parents/family members access what companies are coming to campus?
When your son/daughter signs up for Stout CareerLink they have the ability to see what companies are conducting interviews and open houses on campus. Parents/family members do not have access to this information unless they are an alumnus of UW-Stout with an active Stout CareerLink account. Encourage your son/daughter to sign up for on-campus interviews.
What is a Co-op and how is it different than an internship?
Cooperative Education at University of Wisconsin- Stout is part of a nationwide college/university program that integrates career-related work experience with academic course work. Cooperative Education enhances academic course work by providing a realistic look at a chosen field and adding relevancy to classroom studies. Outcomes include professional skill development, maturity and increased motivation. A successful Co-op experience also greatly increases employability upon graduation.The term [internship] may be preferred or traditionally used with some employers or agencies. In most cases the guidelines described here are applicable to a co-op/internship and the terms are synonymous. In some programs there is a difference and your son/daughter should check with their adviser or program director.
How does my son/daughter find a Co-op/internship or full-time employment?
We provide many options for your son/daughter when it comes to their job search. Your son/daughter can meet with a counselor to learn job search strategies along with other resources available. We offer job search workshops where they can learn different ways to look for a job in their field. They can also create a profile on Stout CareerLink and take advantage of many other job and Co-op/internship search tools. Encourage your son/daughter to sign up for on-campus interviews for Co-op/internships and full-time employment. They can also do what is called a [self-generated Co-op/internship.] Encourage your son/daughter to meet with the Cooperative Education Coordinator or another counselor within Career Services to learn more
Can my son/daughter get credit for a Co-op/internship?
Yes, credits earned per term (semester/summer) range from one to six depending on length of time, intensity, and program requirements. Your son/daughter should check with their program director or co-op mentor regarding credit load.
Will my son/daughter be considered a full-time student while they are participating in a Co-op/internship?
Yes, a Co-op/internship student working 40 or more hours per week and is registered for a minimum of one credit per term retains full-time student status for purposes of loan deferments, parental health insurance and possible military benefits. Career Services can provide documentation for your son/daughter concerning full-time status.
Does my son/daughter have to pay for the Co-op/internship?
Yes, your son/daughter must register for a Co-op/internship just as they do for any class and pay the per credit fee. The good news is that they are paid an hourly wage by their employer during the Co-op/internship experience.
What type of career will my son/daughter qualify for after graduation?
Encourage your son/daughter to work closely with their program director, faculty from their major, and Counselors in the Career Services office. They would be happy to share the types of positions that students who have graduated from their program previously secured.
What kind of salary range could my son/daughter expect in a job in their major?
You and your son/daughter are encouraged to access the Annual Employment Report and Cooperative Education Annual Report located on Career Services website to find this information.
My son/daughter graduated several months ago; will your office still help him/her?
Yes, all of our services are available without fee to alumni. Your son/daughter can take advantage of all the information on our website, Stout CareerLink, and meet with a counselor to discuss any employment related questions or concerns.
Thank you for your support!If you have any other questions feel free to contact any Career Services staff member!!!