Saint Michael’s College Launches Innovative Honors Co-op Program

Ahead of its official launch this fall, Saint Michael’s College has successfully piloted its first honors co-op program this summer. The initiative, made possible through a partnership with the Lake Champlain Chamber, aims to link high-achieving juniors and seniors with local businesses, fostering professional growth while providing businesses with valuable student help on projects.

Successful Pilot Experience

Emma Gredenhag ’27, a Business Administration and Accounting double major, served as a trial participant by interning at Gallagher, Flynn & Company, a professional services firm. This unique co-op structure allows students to earn academic credit while gaining hands-on experience, demonstrating a commitment to their professional development without compromising campus involvement.

A Unique Structure

The co-op features a 50/50 split between classwork and internship hours, providing students with 20 hours of each per week. This ensures that students maintain a connection to campus life and facilitates participation from student-athletes. Professor Nicole Morris, the faculty advisor for the program, emphasized the need for a distinctive structure that caters specifically to the needs of Saint Michael’s students.

Unlike typical internships, which often require about ten hours per week, this co-op demands a more significant commitment but still allows students to manage their academic responsibilities. Furthermore, participants receive compensation, removing barriers often associated with unpaid internships.

Gredenhag’s Experience

During her summer term, Gredenhag worked alongside students from other universities, gaining exposure to diverse aspects of accounting and real client projects. She praised the program for enabling interns to feel like actual employees, stating, “The best thing from that internship was the fact that they actually gave us real client work that mattered.”

The collaborative environment fostered friendships among interns, further enriching the learning experience. Gredenhag noted how her classmates supported one another in various project tasks, reinforcing the program’s emphasis on teamwork.

Business Benefits

Gallagher, Flynn & Company recognizes the significant advantages of participating in such co-op programs. Fran Briand ’11, an alumnus at the firm, highlighted their commitment to nurturing the next generation of professionals while filling their talent pipeline with engaged interns. The firm hopes to transition interns into full-time roles, showcasing how beneficial such programs can be for both students and companies.

Future Developments

With Gredenhag paving the way, the co-op program is set to progress in earnest this fall. Three students will participate in its inaugural semester, and Professor Morris is actively working to align the right placements to enhance the experiences for everyone involved. Future plans may see the program expand to the entire student body, allowing a broader range of students to explore viable career opportunities close to campus.

Morris expressed enthusiasm about the potential for students to confidently step into their careers upon graduation, fostering a strong local workforce without the need to migrate to larger cities.

In summary, the new co-op program at Saint Michael’s College is poised to create meaningful connections between students and local businesses, enhancing both educational outcomes and community engagement.