What even is a co-op??” – someone posted on the Drexel reddit about 2 weeks ago.

A student co-operative experience is a hands-on working experience in a company whilst being actively enrolled in college, for the purpose of gaining experience as a part of your degree. Most people, especially incoming freshmen, are unaware of all the available facilities at Drexel to help conquer this unfamiliar territory and make the best use of it.

SCDC – Steinbright Career Development Center

The Steinbright Career Development Center, located at 3201 Arch St, is a dedicated office at Drexel for all your co-op and career-related needs.

What Can SCDC Help You With?

• Career Counseling

• Resume Development and Review

• Professional Workshops

• Employer Information Sessions

• Career fairs

• Peer Mentorship

• Pre-law and pre-health advising programs

• Getting FREE formal attire (yes!)

Click here to browse through the services available at SCDC!

If you log on to DrexelOne and open the “Co-op + Career Services” tab, you will also see your co-op advisor assigned to you even before your classes begin. This dedicated co-op advisor fulfills the role of serving your individual mentorship and guidance needs, and you can make an appointment with them to discuss your career goals to tailor your individual plans. Under this same tab, you will see additional resources, such as resume development aids and job-hunting options.

So, although Drexel’s co-operative education system can seem challenging, the university does equip you with a strong support system to assist you with all your needs when you feel lost. It is natural to lose direction while navigating the professional part of your college life and it’s highly advisable to keep in touch with SCDC for any concerns or advice. If you find it too daunting to reach out to the SCDC advisors, you can also reach out to the Peer Mentors — who are affiliated with SCDC to find the right resources for you.

Navigating the co-op process at Drexel might seem overwhelming at first, but with the wealth of resources at your fingertips, you do not have to go it alone. The SCDC is your go-to hub for guidance, from refining your resume to acing your interviews and beyond. Scan the QR code, explore the services and take the first step towards making the most out of your own unique Drexel co-op journey, which would lay the foundation for a strong professional career post-graduation.