SIGN IN
When I first heard about the co-op program at Starter School, I wasn’t entirely sure what it entailed. A co-op is a partnership between the student, the parents, and Starter School. In this program, students receive assignments from real companies, do the work, and then receive payouts and rewards for their efforts. The work isn’t hypothetical or classroom-based; it’s sourced from actual businesses that have partnered with Starter School to provide students with genuine, real-world experience.
What struck me was how students gain exposure to a plethora of software tools and concepts that are probably new to them. Many of these tools and ideas aren’t taught in traditional school settings, so without this program, they might never encounter them. They’re not just gaining experience; they’re also earning money, which adds a layer of responsibility and real-world understanding that’s hard to replicate in a classroom.
Consider the typical route: Is your teenager ready for their first job? For many kids, especially those who have a clear idea of what they want to do, the path is usually to go to college, earn a degree in their chosen field, and then try to get a job related to that degree. Depending on the field and the degree, they may or may not find success.
But even if they land that job, they’ll likely encounter tools and concepts they weren’t exposed to during their education. They’ll face a steep learning curve, adjusting to new systems and practices on the job. They’ll be less prepared for these challenges, which can be overwhelming and may hinder their initial performance.
This is where the co-op program makes a significant difference. It gives students exposure to these essential tools and ideas at a younger age. This early exposure is incredibly valuable. If they find something they enjoy while participating in the program, they might use that knowledge or tool for personal projects or even in college.
For example, they might develop proficiency with a particular software that’s widely used in their desired industry. By the time they enter the workforce, they’re not starting from scratch. They’re already acclimated to the tools and concepts they’ll encounter in their careers. This familiarity means they’re more confident and competent right out of the gate.
This experience doesn’t just make them more comfortable; it gives them a competitive advantage. When it comes time to apply for jobs, they’ll have practical experience that sets them apart from other candidates. Their resume won’t just list a degree; it will showcase real-world projects and familiarity with industry-standard tools and practices.
Employers value this kind of experience. It means less training time and a quicker integration into their teams. Your teen will stand out as someone who can contribute from day one, increasing their chances of landing the job they want.
Take software development, for instance. In the co-op program, students might learn about Scrum or Agile methodologies. These are frameworks that teams use to manage complex projects efficiently. Understanding these concepts early on means they’re already versed in the workflows that many tech companies use daily.
If they’re interested in sales or marketing, they’ll get hands-on experience with CRMs (Customer Relationship Management systems). They’ll learn how to follow up with customers and understand what automation means in this context. They’ll become familiar with industry-specific terms like CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost), CPC (Cost Per Click), CPV (Cost Per View), and LTV (Lifetime Value).
There’s a vast array of acronyms and jargon in every industry. Getting to know these terms ahead of time means they’re not just learning the language; they’re learning the underlying concepts that drive business decisions.
Beyond specific fields, they’ll grasp universal business concepts. They’ll learn that work needs to be planned and scheduled and understand how this process operates across various industries. Every company deals with limited resources, and understanding how management allocates these resources to meet business goals is crucial.
For example, they’ll learn about “lead time,” a concept that’s vital in shipping, warehousing, and manufacturing. Knowing what lead time is and why it matters gives them a head start. It’s one less thing they’ll need to learn on the job, making them more efficient and valuable employees from the beginning.
One of the most transformative lessons I learned—and wish I’d known earlier—is how negotiable everything in life is. I was definitely a victim of not realizing this sooner. It wasn’t until I became part of a team where open communication was encouraged that I began to see how much is actually up for discussion.
When you’re talking to a hiring manager, your wage is negotiable. Many people know this on some level, but they’re scared to push for what they want. They don’t realize how straightforward it can be to negotiate for an additional $5,000 a year. It’s often as simple as confidently stating your value and asking for it.
When I was working for Morley Moss, my boss would frequently ask me to work late or take on additional tasks. He’d say things like, “This came directly from Roger,” referencing someone higher up in the company hierarchy. At the time, I felt compelled to comply because it seemed non-negotiable.
It wasn’t until later that I realized company rules aren’t always set in stone. After working with other companies and becoming a more integral part of the teams I was on, I learned that many of these “rules” are more flexible than they appear.
I began to see that everything is negotiable, especially if you’re highly skilled and bring significant value to the company. Companies will often bend the rules or quietly offer you perks that others don’t get if you understand how to navigate the situation.
For instance, I learned that policies about overtime, remote work, or additional benefits could be adjusted. It all comes down to understanding your worth and communicating it effectively.
Understanding the value you provide goes beyond just the tasks you perform or the salary you earn. It’s about the overall contribution you make to the company and the costs they avoid by having you on the team.
If a company decides to let you go, it doesn’t just end there. There’s a significant cost associated with hiring and training a new employee. It’s time-consuming and expensive. Good talent is hard to find, and the onboarding process can slow down operations.
Companies are acutely aware of these costs, even if they don’t openly discuss them. They often prefer to retain a valuable employee rather than go through the hassle of finding someone new. Knowing this gives you leverage.
When you understand the real value you bring to the company, you can negotiate with confidence. You’re not just asking for more because you want it; you’re demonstrating that the company benefits from investing in you.
For example, if you’ve streamlined a process that saves the company money, or if your relationships with clients bring in additional revenue, these are tangible benefits that go beyond your job description. Highlighting these contributions can strengthen your position when negotiating for a raise or additional benefits.
By participating in the co-op program, your teen will learn these invaluable lessons early on. They’ll:
• Gain Practical Experience: Working on real projects gives them a taste of what to expect in their future careers.
• Build Confidence: Early exposure to industry tools and concepts makes them more comfortable and self-assured.
• Understand Their Worth: They’ll learn how to assess the value they bring to an organization.
• Develop Negotiation Skills: Recognizing that many aspects of work are negotiable empowers them to advocate for themselves.
• Stand Out to Employers: Their experience and knowledge will set them apart from other candidates.
Reflecting on my own journey, I can’t overstate the importance of these lessons. If I’d had the opportunity to participate in a program like this when I was younger, I would have been better prepared for the challenges of the workplace.
Understanding that company policies are often flexible and that my contributions have significant value changed how I approached my career. It allowed me to negotiate better terms, seek opportunities that aligned with my goals, and contribute more meaningfully to the organizations I was part of.
Imagine your teen entering the workforce not as a novice but as someone already familiar with the tools, concepts, and unwritten rules of the industry. They’ll be better equipped to navigate their careers, advocate for themselves, and make informed decisions.
They won’t just be another entry-level employee; they’ll be a valuable asset from day one. This head start can make all the difference in their professional lives, giving them the foundation they need to succeed and thrive.
Interested in giving your teen this valuable experience? Click here to learn more about how they can get started.
Help your child learn how to become a stronger problem-solver using the newest A.I. tools & tech they don't learn about at school. Enroll your child into the Tech Work Experience today.