Due to the changing nature of post-secondary education, many students now enroll in work-integrated learning programs. Some decide to search for internships, while others look for part-time summer jobs. However, other students may decide to enroll in a cooperative education (co-op) program.
A co-op program is similar to a mandatory internship or placement. However, instead of working in the summer, a student may decide to complete their work term or internship in the fall or winter. Usually, undergraduate programs with co-op are around five years long instead of the usual four-year degree program. Oftentimes, students must complete four to six work terms throughout their five-year program.
Similarly to applying to internships, searching for co-op positions can feel daunting. Narrowing down where to apply can feel difficult, and attending networking sessions can seem endless. Moreover, due to the ever-changing job market, securing a co-op position is now more competitive than ever, especially for the summer.
But if you’re enrolled in a co-op program and you’re still looking to secure your position for the summer, don’t sweat it. Here are five tips to help you navigate the process:
1. Tailor your resume and cover letter.
A generic resume and cover letter is a good start, but to stand out and get interviews, make sure to tailor your resume to each specific position. Companies often want to hear how you can help them grow and thrive, but they each expect something different from their applicants than their competitors do. Ask yourself what you value about each specific position, which skills each company seeks out in its employees, and how you can make your skill sets appeal to each individual company. When you tailor your resume, you just might receive a surprisingly high amount of interviews and offers!
2. Reach out to your co-op advisor.
Since a co-op is a structured program, many students have an advisor who helps them secure placements that fit their skills and talents. If you’re unsure about how to find a co-op that matches your skills and qualifications, or you need some advice on how to structure your resume or cover letter, make an appointment with your co-op coordinator. They’ll be able to provide you with a sense of direction in your job search and may even introduce you to school resources, like mock interview programs, that can help you feel confident in the application process.
3. Prepare for interviews immediately.
You may not get interviews immediately, but you should prepare for future interviews as soon as you can. Once you submit your co-op applications, shift your focus to your interview skills. Research some preliminary questions about the job responsibilities and the company culture, and also tailor some of the questions to each specific position. Practice answering the questions ahead of time, and think of an “elevator pitch” to showcase your skills in a minute or fewer. When you walk into your first interview, you’ll notice that preparation will help you feel confident, even when you receive difficult questions.
4. Apply for diverse positions.
Although you should always tailor your resume to the positions you want, don’t limit yourself to just one or two types of positions. Applying to a wide range of jobs will help you practice highlighting different skills for different companies, and it could increase your chances of getting an interview or an offer. Don’t count out any type of work, especially if a position aligns with some of your skills. You never know what will happen — maybe a co-op position you “didn’t really want” will soon become your dream job!
5. Shrug off rejection.
Applying to co-op positions means that you likely won’t get the first, second, or even third job you apply to. You may receive several rejections before you finally get a job offer, and the process of facing rejection can feel defeated at first. However, if you receive a few rejections, don’t worry! Rejections are simply part of the application process, and can often help you strengthen your resume and your interview skills for future applications. When a company rejects you, keep going — you will find that perfect fit!
If you’re searching for a co-op position, the application process can feel long and difficult, but if you approach it proactively, you can strengthen your applications along the way. Tailoring your resume and cover letter, staying open to a wide range of job types, and using rejections as motivation will not only help you become a stronger candidate, but it will also lead you to the perfect co-op position!
Featured Photo by Mimi Thian on Unsplash.
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