The Co-op program serves a bridge between the intensely learning university experience and the practical, results-oriented, highly competitive professional world. The program is designed to give the student an opportunity to test and apply knowledge, skills and competences acquired in the classrooms and labs and to develop a clear perspective about the expectations of the real world and a sharper focus on career choices. It offers an opportunity for employers and educators to collaborate in mentoring prospective workforce to becoming productive and responsible citizens. The hope is that the student after completing the Co-op experience will develop a clear purpose, become more engaged during the last year of studies, and form a pragmatic perspective about their role in a changing world.

While the Co-op work experience mutually benefits the student, the university and the employer, it will help the student in:

• Clarifying career goals;
• Understanding of the workplace demands and constraints;
• Pursuing continuous learning and self-improvement undertakings;
• Cultivating self-reliance and self-confidence;
• Refining time management, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Building contacts with potential employers;
• Acquiring marketable skills that improve employability prospects;
• Experiencing practical aspects of the field of study.

Provide the student diversified choices of internship fields accompanied by career counseling and guidance to prepare the graduate to match the requirements of employment opportunities.

A Bachelor student is eligible to sign up for the Co-op program if the following eligibility criteria are met:

Specific prerequisites to take up the Co-op experience are summarized in the table below

The Co-op program runs for a minimum of six weeks and is obeyed by the employer rules and regulations. It is normally completed during the summer term of the senior year of studies. Students engage in a practical training experience mentored by professionals in the area related to their field of interest.

Policies

• The logistical aspects of the Co-op program shall be managed by the Co-op Coordinator associated within the Co-op and Career Services Office.
• Training opportunities shall be approved and thereafter managed by the Co-op Coordinator in collaboration with the academic advisor.
• A trainee must meet the eligibility criteria set forth in this policy to participate in the Co-op program.
• A student may arrange for a training opportunity on his/her own, which should be approved by the Co-op academic advisor or, alternatively, the Co-op coordinator shall assist the student in finding a suitable training venue.
• Each trainee shall be assigned a Co-op academic advisor to follow up on the trainee’s work progress throughout the Co-op period and assess the overall training experience afterward.
• A student must commit to completing the training at the company mutually agreed to.
• Students may register for one course during the Co-op period if it is the only course needed to graduate and the timing is approved by the employer.
• The Co-op coordinator completes the Co-op training offers in consultation with the Co-op work HR/Supervisor taking into consideration employer’s needs, student’s interest and eligibility, and date of student’s application.
• The trainee shall work for the employer for a period equivalent to eight weeks, on pre-approved tasks related to the trainee’s field of study.
• Trainees must conform to the employer’s work rules and standards and must execute his/her tasks professionally and ethically.
• The trainee shall directly report to and coordinate with the Co-op work supervisor on all tasks and activities.
• The Co-op work supervisor cannot be a direct relative to the trainee.
• The Trainee shall keep a daily record of tasks performed and lessons learned.
• The trainee and the Co-op work supervisor shall submit the training assessment forms to the Co-op academic advisor at the end of the training period.
• The trainee shall submit to the Co-op academic advisor the daily tasks log, a report and a power point presentation the following day of the completion of the Co-op work.
• The trainee must deliver a presentation about the training experience when requested as part of the Co-op Inspiration Seminar.
• If the student withdraws from the Co-op course, the registrar should inform the Co-op Coordinator. The Co-op Coordinator should then inform both the Co-op academic advisor and the Co-op work supervisor.
• Failing to comply with the Co-op rules and employer’s work standards will result in a failing grade.

Procedures

• The Co-op coordinator creates a Co-op Moodle course for eligible students in each college.
• The student should read, understand, and fill the Co-op Code of Conduct before the beginning of the co-op period.
• The Co-op coordinator maintains a database of prospective employers and posts job opportunities and application deadlines and communicates them to students via email and Moodle;.
• The Co-op Coordinator prepares a list of eligible students and send it to each college to distribute Co-op academic advisors among them.
• Student may suggest an employer that is not in the posted list so long he/she gets a tentative approval from the employer and from the College academic advisor and submits the Training Application Form (Coop-3) to the Coop Coordinator.
• A trainee seeking to pursue a training opportunity abroad must complete the Training Abroad Application Form (Coop-12) and submits it to the Co-op coordinator for further consideration.
• The Co-op Coordinator invites eligible students to attend the Co-op orientation seminar during the semester prior to the Co-op to explain policies and procedures.
• Each eligible student completes the Training Application Form (Coop-3) indicating three preferred Co-op venues ranked in order of priority and submits a CV (soft copy) within the assigned deadlines.
• The Co-op Coordinator and academic units shall attempt to match students’ aspirations and field of study with employer’s needs. In case many multiple trainees compete for a specific training opportunity, students who apply first and meet the eligibility criteria shall be given the priority unless the employer meets them and chooses.
• The Co-op assignments and all related information are posted on the Co-op Moodle course page, and via email.
• The Co-op academic advisor bears the responsibility to: Correct students’ CVs, make at least one field visit and completes the visit assessment form; continuously follow up with the trainee and the work supervisor during the training period; collects the trainee’s performance assessment forms from the trainee and the work supervisor; guides the student in preparing the training report, poster and presentation and assess the submitted material; and submits a final report to the Co-op Coordinator.

The RHU Co-op Training Program continues to be a transformative journey for students, bridging the gap between academic learning and professional practice. Through hands-on experience in leading companies and organizations, students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining valuable technical and interpersonal skills that prepare them for future success.

In 2025, ten RHU students shared their inspiring Co-op stories, reflecting on how the experience helped shape their professional paths and personal growth. Their testimonials are featured in the photos below.

The Co-op experience remains one of RHU’s defining strengths, empowering students to take the first step toward building their careers with purpose and professionalism.