Saint Mary’s is launching a new Cooperative Education Program that will incorporate significant, sustained professional career experiences into an undergraduate degree. The program will complement classroom experiences with placement in a work setting and, in turn, help advance partnering organizations. Students in the program will work full-time or nearly full-time for a semester, giving them practical learning opportunities. They’ll remain housed on campus, take flexible supporting classwork, and participate in campus activities. Our Winona Campus is located near a nationally and internationally renowned manufacturing, health care, and arts hub. Several local businesses are interested in partnering with Saint Mary’s, including Fastenal. Fastenal is specifically seeking business and communications students, who will be fully immersed in the company’s operations and culture by rotating through multiple departments, all before college graduation. By immersing students in organizations while they’re still in college, there is a good chance they’ll have an opportunity to matriculate into full-time employees post graduation, bringing passion, energy, and vibrancy to the Winona community.
Photo caption: Andrew Scott, assistant professor of Business, speaks to students during a class. Scott has been an instrumental leader in getting the Cooperative Education Program started, along with Dr. Tom Marpe, dean of Business and Technology.