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Expanding Your Co-op Opportunitie s Northeast ern Universit y College of Science & Cooperative Education

Create your own coop

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Page 1: Create your own coop

Expanding Your Co-op

Opportunities

Northeastern UniversityCollege of Science

&Cooperative Education

Page 2: Create your own coop

Benefits of exploring opportunities beyond myNEUcoolLearn job search skills that are essential after graduation

Pursue a unique interestCreate personal connections and networksAccess to opportunities beyond myNEUcoolMay face less competitionSome employers might take a chance on an individual but not a “program”

Expand Your Opportunities

Page 3: Create your own coop

Getting StartedThings to RememberPreparation TipsJob Search MethodsFinding Advertised JobsApplying to Advertised

JobsFinding Companies/Res

earchersContacting Companies/

ResearchersNext Steps

Table of Contents

Page 4: Create your own coop

Answering the following questions will help you figure out how to begin your search Why did you pick your major? What field or aspect of your major are you most

interested in? What was your favorite class? Why? What are your career goals so far? Has someone inspired you to pursue your major? What

inspired you about that person? What other passions or interests that you would like to

pursue? What skills would like to learn or develop while on co-

op?Do some general searchesRefine your search

Getting Started

Page 5: Create your own coop

Keep an open mind Be receptive to learning about many different

companies and types of positions You have to build up your experience – you cannot

start at the topIt’s not only what you know but who you

know Contacts and networking are essential Use current contacts and take advantage of new

networking opportunitiesBegin your search early in the co-op processKeep your Co-op Coordinator informed

Remember

Page 6: Create your own coop

Identify what you want Type of position Areas of interest Type of workplace Geographic location

Know what you can do Know what your skills

are and make sure they are listed on your resume

Meet with your Co-op Coordinator

Prepare

Create a plan of action Set aside time each

week to search for jobs and prepare applications

Keep organized Keep track of the

positions you apply for Record application

deadlines Save job descriptions

and applications

Page 7: Create your own coop

A: Apply for jobs that are advertised on sites

B: Find companies, organizations, or researchers and call/email when a job is not posted

Two Methods

Page 8: Create your own coop

Many online databases to choose from Large, general Field specific Government Professional societies University compilations Individual organizations Listservs, Twitter feeds

Good websitesCareer Development

HuskyCareerLink

A: Finding Advertised Jobs

Search tips: Experiment with many

keywords Limit your restrictions Include Internships and

temporary jobs in your search – these can be made into co-ops

Be realistic about your qualifications

Set up job alerts Indeed.com

Page 9: Create your own coop

Applying to jobs outside of myNEUcool is different Read job descriptions carefully and save them Follow directions given in the job announcement about

how to submit your application Can be online, email, mail

Employers do not necessarily know about Co-op Co-op faculty can speak to potential employers and

provide Co-op information Jobs are available to non-Northeastern applicants Many jobs will require a cover letter

Cover Letter tips

Be sure to apply by the given deadlineTell your Co-op Coordinator about the jobs you

apply for

A: Applying to Advertised Jobs

Page 10: Create your own coop

Use internet searches for companies in your field Search for a type of company in Google Maps to find

companies in a specific geographic location

Use your family, friends, professors, and professional contacts to learn about relevant companies

Use job searches to identify companies of interest even if the advertised position is not appropriate You can still contact the company about other opportunities

Visit university or hospital websites for lists of faculty Faculty will have a bio and/or webpage that describes their

research and provides contact information

B: Finding Companies/Researchers

Page 11: Create your own coop

Before you contact a company or researcher, ask your Co-op Coordinator if Northeastern already has a relationship with that company/person

Don’t just find a company, find a person Use LinkedIn to see if you have any connections to

employees Ask your professors if they know anyone at the company Search the website for specific scientists/employees Search for Northeastern alumni

Familiarize yourself with the company or researcher

Make sure your email is clear and error free Sample email format

Attach an updated resume to your email

B: Contacting Companies/Researchers

Page 12: Create your own coop

Be patient It may be several weeks before you hear back from

employersPrepare for conversations or interviewsMake sure you have a reference list preparedKeep your Co-op Faculty informed and use

her/him as a resource and partnerStay positive

Rejections are common If no job is available:

Have a conversation or informational interview Ask for advice for finding jobs in the field Ask for suggestions for other people to talk to

Next Steps