Advantages

Enhances classroom learning and adds relevance to education by integrating academic theory and real
work experience
Provides a means of earning money to cover a significant portion of college expenses
Develops maturity, leadership, and social skills
Provides contact with potential future employers
Enables students to retain full-time student status while working
Confirms or redirects career decision-making through on-the-job experience in a chosen field. .. since
co-ops "test drive" their career
Teaches valuable job-search skills such as career assessment, resume writing and interviewing techniques
Provides an opportunity to test classroom learning in the laboratory of the real world
Helps to develop important professional skills including presentation, writing and technical skills
Team work is developed by working with skilled professionals
Confidence is increased when students know they can successfully perform in the workplace. . .where it really counts
Breaks from school help students to not get "bored" with school
Is often a catalyst for students improving their grades
Enables students to gain a clearer picture of career objectives
Improves employment prospects at graduation by providing students with transferable, relevant work experience. . . since may employers only hire people with experience in the field
Often leads to higher starting salaries at graduation than other graduates