Palo Alto College students who take advantage of either a Co-op Program or an Internship Program are setting themselves up for success in more ways than one.

In Palo Alto’s Administrative Computer Technology Co-op Program, a student acquires the clerical skills needed to perform today’s jobs through classes such as Records and Information Management, Accounting, Document Formatting and Skillbuilding.

In Logistics Management, defined as “the art of delivering the right goods to the right place at the right time,” students attain technical skills through Business Management classes. These classes include Warehouse and Distribution Management, Purchasing, Order Fulfillment and International Trade.

While technology competence is important, the “people skills” learned in the Human Relations and Business Communication classes are what gives Palo Alto College students an edge. Students learn everything they need to know to calm the anxiety that comes with a job interview. Therese Palacios, Assistant Professor in the Administrative Computer Technology Department, believes if a student does not know what to expect in an interview, he or she will have a much higher level of anxiety. Step by step guidance and instructions replace the unknown with the familiar.

“I have companies calling me all the time, because they know Palo Alto students have not only the computer and office skills, but also the ‘can-do’ attitude the workplace demands,” said Palacios.

The A.C.T. Department receives more requests for job applicants from businesses than they have students to fill those requests. “Unfortunately, we are one of the best-kept secrets on campus,” said Palacios, “All of our Co-op students are paid, and they earn college credit for the course.”

While the A.C.T. and the Logistics Management Program are not the only places to find information about participating in a Co-op or internship program, they are a good place to start. Of course, the Internet has a vast number of listings.

Using any search engine, just type in “internships,” then click on “search”. Internships are available worldwide in almost every field of study.

If you are looking for personal assistance, the Administrative Computer Technology and Logistics Management Departments are located on campus in the Applied Sciences Building. The Returning Adult Center directs many students there.

“ ‘Human Capital’, or people,” said Jack Schlegel, Instructor in Management, “is what makes a company competitive, especially in today’s growing service economy.”

Lisa Saltmarsh, Facilities Manager at Sea World and a Palo Alto Co-op student, agreed: “Customer service is what makes or breaks a company. The Co-op has taught me a little more about how to provide it in a more professional manner.”

Saltmarsh credits Palacios, Schlegel and the other instructors in the Co-op and Management programs with a great measure of her success in securing the job she now holds. Sixteen other applicants who were at Sea World longer than she was also applied for the job she secured.

“The instructors taught us to be excited, not nervous, about an interview,” said Saltmarsh. “If you can’t sell yourself, you won’t get the job.” Saltmarsh has been involved with various Co-op programs since high school, so she was already familiar with the benefits they provide. She stresses that no one is too young or too old to profit from the program’s assistance.

There is a mistaken belief that the credits earned for an Associate Degree in Applied Science will not transfer. Schlegel said many of the hours earned for an Associate Degree in Applied Science are transferable. It is always advisable, however, to discuss degree plans with a counselor.

There will always be some barriers to any business endeavor, but language should not be one. The focus in Business is becoming more international in scope. Many companies are actually seeking Spanish-speaking and bilingual employees. With its cultural ties to Mexico, San Antonio is a major gateway for trade. An estimated 50 percent of the goods passing in and out of Mexico come through San Antonio. This gives Logistics Management majors diverse opportunities for internships. Just a few of the companies where Palo Alto students are currently interning are H-E-B, Sunbelt Sports Wear Inc., Kelly and Randolph Air Force Bases, Brooke Army Medical Center and Emery Worldwide.

“We have approximately 180 students in varying stages of our program,” said Bill Daugherty, Professor of Logistics Management. Many of the internships are not paid positions, but future success is a significant incentive. “This is one of the most real world preparations for a well-paying job in transporting, warehousing and import/export,” said Daugherty, “It is of vital importance.” The internship counts for three semester hours and usually completes the students work at Palo Alto.

Many of the companies who hire through the Co-op Program or have interns working for them will eventually offer a full-time position or a promotion within the company to the student. Some will even pay tuition to continue college courses. The student gains hands-on experience, earns college credit and gets paid. This creates a win-win situation for all involved.

“We’re only a stepping stone,” said Palacios, “if you have goals, if you want more, we’re here to tell you to go for it, and go in a big way!”