Fine-tune Your Accounting Career with Lakeland University’s Cooperative Education Program

For students preparing to enter the accounting profession, real‑world experience is as valuable as academic coursework. Lakeland University’s Cooperative Education (Co‑Op) program blends classroom learning with paid, professional work assignments, allowing accounting majors to gain hands‑on exposure while earning university credits. This article explains how the program benefits students, showcases Dean Allie Smith’s journey, and outlines the practical steps you can take to join the co‑op pipeline.

Why Cooperative Education Matters for Accounting‑Students at Lakeland University

• Direct Skill Development: Accounting tasks—from month‑end reporting to revenue recognition—are performed in real corporate settings, reinforcing the techniques taught in lectures.
• Professional Networking: Working with firms such as CliftonLarsonAllen and Corson, Peterson & Hamann connects students to industry peers, mentors, and potential future employers.
• Accelerated Credentialing: A series of co‑op placements can satisfy the 150‑credit requirement needed to sit for the CPA exam, shortening the path to certification.
• Financial Support: Co‑op students receive competitive salaries, reducing the burden of tuition and living expenses while building a future résumé.

Case Study: Allie Smith’s Path Through Four Co‑Op Experiences

Allie Smith, a junior majoring in accounting with a forensic/fraud emphasis, has completed four co‑op placements: an operations internship at CliftonLarsonAllen, a tax internship with Corson, Peterson & Hamann in Sheboygan, a tutoring role for peers, and a current accounting internship at Curt G. Joa, Inc. Each stint provided distinct insights:

Operations Internship – CliftonLarsonAllen

Allie handled daily transactions, supported audit services, and learned to navigate complex financial data sets. The role sharpened her analytical thinking and reinforced classroom concepts in a service‑oriented environment.

Tax Internship – Corson, Peterson & Hamann

On this assignment, she prepared preliminary tax returns, performed research on regulatory changes, and collaborated with senior tax specialists. Exposure to the tax cycle expanded her knowledge beyond financial statements.

Peer Tutoring – Financial Accounting

By teaching colleagues, Allie sharpened her communication skills and deepened her grasp of core accounting principles. Sharing knowledge reinforced her own mastery in the subject matter.

Current Internship – Curt G. Joa, Inc.

Allie now works on month‑end reports, revenue recognition, and order‑invoice processing. Her responsibilities include project work that others rely on—demonstrating her growing independence and value to the firm.

Through these varied experiences, Allie can discriminate between practice areas—audit, tax, forensic accounting—and is confident that she can acquire the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials after graduation in May 2027.

How the Co‑Op Program Fits Into Your Academic Calendar

The Co‑Op framework is integrated with Lakeland’s credit system. Each semester, students enroll in a co‑op job that counts as a course. Two credit hours per semester add up to 12 credits that offset the total credit load, often reducing the overall number of semesters required for completion. In addition:

• Co‑op positions are scheduled for full semesters, meaning students can commit to 3–4 months of employability work.
• Students enroll in key accounting courses in the weeks preceding or following the placement, ensuring continuous learning.
• Faculty mentors review co‑op reflection reports, allowing academic support while maintaining professional development.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility Criteria

Students must:

• Be enrolled in the Accounting program with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Have successfully completed core introductory courses.
• Apply through the university’s Co‑Op portal during the designated window each semester.

Application Steps

1. Submit a Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your academic achievements and relevant coursework.
2. Take the UNH Co‑Op Assessment: Demonstrate career interests and work readiness.
3. Attend an Intake Session: Meet with the Co‑Op Coordinator to discuss available openings.
4. Secure a Placement: Work with partner firms; salaries range from $12,000 to $18,000 per semester depending on role.
5. Complete Reflection Papers: Submit weekly or bi‑weekly summaries of tasks, challenges, and learning objectives.

Partner Firms and Career Opportunities

Lakeland’s Co‑Op network includes firms such as:

• CliftonLarsonAllen – Audit and advisory services.
• Corson, Peterson & Hamann – Tax preparation and consulting.
• Curt G. Joa, Inc. – Corporate accounting and financial reporting.
• Manitowoc County Tax Assessor’s Office – Public sector accounting.
• Various mid‑size regional firms offering forensic accounting projects.

These relationships provide a spectrum of experiences, from public sector analysis to private industry finance, all while earning a contribution to your degree and future salary.

Maximizing Your Co‑Op Experience for CPA Exam Readiness

Targeting the CPA exam requires meeting specific credit requirements and achieving accounting experience. Co‑op work can:

• Give you exposure to audited financial statements.
• Allow you to practice recognized accounting principles in real contexts.
• Help you build a professional portfolio documenting applied knowledge.

By tracking your co‑op tasks—such as preparing audit schedules or drafting tax returns—you can create a study plan that aligns with the CPA’s content areas: Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, Regulation, and Business Environment and Concepts.

Next Steps for Aspiring Accounting Professionals

If you’re ready to integrate academic learning with meaningful work experience, consider the following actions:

• Download the Co‑Op Brochure: Review program details and firm profiles.
• Set a Meeting with Your Academic Advisor: Discuss how the co‑op fits with your degree plan.
• Update Your Resume: Highlight any relevant lab work or college projects.
• Apply Early: Secure a placement as soon as the application window opens.

Remember, the cooperative education pathway is a structured, paid, and academic experience designed to bridge classroom theory with industry practice. By taking proactive steps today, you can gain hands‑on skills, reduce student debt, and position yourself strongly for a post‑graduation career in accounting.