EUGENE, OR - In the fast paced realm of congressional politics during an election year, all eyes are on the candidate. Behind every candidate, however, a team of highly skilled professionals handpicked from various segments of society works to ensure the campaign's success. These are the best political minds and that is why U.S. Congressman Peter Defazio's campaign looked to Lane Community College Cooperative Education (Co-op) program graduate Carly Gabrielson to help coordinate campaign efforts in Eugene.
Gabrielson enrolled at Lane in 2006 with a mild interest in politics, but after completing a political science course taught by instructor Steve Candee, decided it was a career path worth looking into.
"Steve provided me with a comprehensive view of politics as well as a long list of ways to get more involved and pursue hands-on learning opportunities," said Gabrielson.
One of those opportunities was an internship through the Co-op program with Defazio's congressional campaign. Although unsure of the extent of her interest in a political career , she went ahead with the internship. As her Co-op coordinator, Candee worked with Gabrielson to identify goals and expectations.
"One thing that Steve made clear, and also greatly appealed to me, was that the Co-op program should be viewed not only as a job, but as a personal learning opportunity," said Gabrielson. "I went into the experience hoping to learn more about myself and whether politics was an area I would want to pursue."
Each Co-op student works with a coordinator who acts as a liaison between the school, the student and the employer, while providing invaluable insight and guidance.
"The coordinator's are such a huge part of the success of the program," said Co-op Division Dean Al King. "They give the student that one-on-one interaction and feedback that accelerates and personalizes the learning experience."
Additionally, Co-op students are required to keep a journal, which helps them reflect on their challenges and successes with their coordinators.
"Carly's initiative in seeking out help and feedback really stood out, and together we were able to mold that enthusiasm into a unique skill set," said Candee. "I've been working with the Co-op program for 20 years now and seen some great talent; Carly is definitely a shining star of the program."
Following her internship, Gabrielson applied and was hired as interim campaign manager for the DeFazio campaign, where she continues to work as the volunteer coordinator. Her success is one of many stories of how Lane's Cooperative Education program has touched students' lives, provided expanded learning opportunities and led to quality employment.
Started nearly 50 years ago, Co-op emerged out of a desire for employers to have a stronger connection with the college by forming an educational partnership between Lane, the business community and students. By combining work experience with academic studies, approximately 2,000 Lane students earn credit each year while working in full or part-time in positions related to their academic goals; and all while the community benefits from their talent. With more than 800 employers participating, Lane's Co-op is the largest program of its kind west of the Mississippi.
To learn more about Lane's Co-op program, go online at www.lanecc.edu/cooped
Lane is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution. Visit online at www.lanecc.edu or www.twitter.com/lanenews or www.facebook.com/lanecommunitycollege
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Media contact: Joan Aschim, PIO, aschimj@lanecc.edu or (541) 463-5591