Co-op Orientation

Co-op Online Orientation for Spring 2013

Welcome to Co-op! The first step of your co-op preparation is to complete this online tutorial no later than Friday, September 14.

Welcome to Wentworths co-op program. For many of you, our co-op program was a major consideration when choosing to come to Wentworth. It is a tremendous learning experience that not only lets you apply your learning in the workplace. It also helps you chose and explore career paths related to your major.1

Co-op Online Orientation OutlineCo-op requirements and expectationsCareer Center Co-op AdvisorsWorking with your Co-op AdvisorCareer Center ResourcesWhat to do next

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Co-op is Cooperative EducationFull-time job related to your major and vital part of your educationCo-op provides opportunities for you to:Integrate classroom theory with workplace practiceClarify professional goalsApply professional competenciesDemonstrate career management skillsDevelop a professional network

Cooperative education (co-op) is a learning strategy where workplace experience is integrated into the curriculum.

Its not just a job, its part of your education.

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Work with your Co-op Advisor toClarify learning & career goals related to co-opCreate a job search strategy to meet your goalsDevelop and refine job search skillsEvaluate co-op job offersDevelop & refine professional workplace skillsAssess your performance & learning through co-opYour Co-op Advisor continues to be a support and guide for you as you transition to the workplace.

Speaking of your co-op advisor.

Each of you is assigned to a co-op advisor based on your major. Your co-op advisor can work with you to:Clarify learning and career goals related to co-opCreate a job search strategy to meet your goalsDevelop and refine job search skillsNavigate challenges and issues that impact your success in co-op and the workplaceEvaluate co-op job offersDevelop and refine professional workplace skillsAssess your performance and learning through co-op

Your co-op advisor is also developing co-op job leads for you and your program. However, you are expected to be developing job leads on your own as well.4

Co-op ExpectationsPut forth dedicated effort; maintain deadlinesMany factors influence job search success, including GPA, experience, motivation, interviewing skills, resume and portfolio quality Job search includes WITworks posted jobs, professional network, research new organizationsWentworth does NOT guarantee employment

Co-op Job RequirementsCo-op job must be related to your major.Co-op semester runs at least 12 weeks and through the last day of classes. You must be employed 32 40 hours/weekFewer hours requires Co-op Advisor approvalSpring 2013 Co-op is January 9 April 16International Students contact the International Student Services Office for CPT or OPT work authorization.

While co-op is a requirement for graduation, there are several eligibility requirements.

After completing your sophomore year, you can take optional co-op. The two required co-ops are scheduled during your junior and senior years.

If you are within a few credits of being a junior or senior, talk with your co-op advisor about considering an exception.

By your co-op semester, you must have an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. This shows that you are academically prepared to apply your knowledge in the workplace.

For international students, you must also receive the proper work authorization for CPT or OPT. International Student Services will walk you through that process.6

Eligibility for Co-opBe enrolled as a full-time student, in good academic standingJunior (Co-op 400) or Senior (Co-op 600) class standingCumulative GPA at least 2.0 by start of co-op termYou must register for Co-opTransfer students must complete at least one semester in residence before the co-op semester.

How to Get Credit for your Co-op Complete the Co-op Application (click the link at the end of this presentation)Register for Co-op for the upcoming semesterComplete all co-op assignments on time.Successfully complete your co-op job.

Career Center InformationLocation: Wentworth Hall, First FloorPhone: 617-989-4101Office Hours: Monday Friday 8:15AM 4:45PMDrop-in Hours: Career Center staff member, Daily 1:00 4:00PMCareer Peers start the week of September 10; Schedule will be posted in the Career Center

Career Center ResourcesCo-op AdvisorIntake meeting (Prerequisite for accessing jobs on WITworks!)follow-up meetings throughout semesterCareer Peers and Staff Drop-In Career Peers are students trained to provide resume and cover letter review Career Center Staff available for short questions about your co-op search.Events Mock Interview Day October 23, 2012Information sessions & workshops

Your Fall Semester TimelineSeptemberCreate, review and edit resume, portfolio, teaser sheetMeet with Co-op AdvisorCreate a spreadsheet to track job search activity and contacts OctoberApply to jobs; follow up with employers; Create LinkedIn profileParticipate in Mock Interview Day, October 23NovemberContinue applying for jobs; continue interviewingRegister for Spring Co-opDecemberStay in contact with your Co-op AdvisorEvaluate offers & accept a job

Today you will be submitting your online co-op application.

In the coming weeks, you must meet with your co-op advisor. This intake meeting lets your co-op advisor learn about you and help with your goals related to co-op.

At the same time, you should be writing your resume. Every day you can walk-in to Career Services to have your resume reviewed.

You should complete your LeopardLaunch profile, including uploading your current resume. You may also want to set email job alerts so you are emailed periodically of new co-op jobs.

October and November are major job search months. Every day you should be applying for jobs or networking. This is when the majority of interviews will take place as well.

We realize that many of you have not had a job interview before. We highly encourage you to participate in our Mock Interview Day on October 28th. This event lets you practice interviewing with people related to your field. Its a great way to get feedback on your interviewing, so you can succeed when a job is on the line.

Throughout the semester, you have your co-op advisor to ask questions of, to teach you ways to improve your job search skills, to de-brief interviews, to evaluate job offers11

Resume and PortfolioCreate or update your resumeReview and edit support in Career CenterPortfolio and Teaser Sheet (design students)Organize and showcase your visual design workAsk professor or design professional to critique your portfolio or teaser sheet before you start your job search.

Your Co-op Job Search WITworks is the Wentworth job board. Your Co-op Advisor controls your access to these job postings. Access via LConnect and complete profile now. Search for jobs outside the WITworks system.Use your networkSearch employers in your areaSearch jobs posted on other employment sitesUse a spreadsheet to track your job search

WITworks Profile

Mandatory Profile fields are marked with red *Personal InformationDemographic InformationAdditional InformationComplete all fields and SAVE

Job search tips for a Competitive MarketSeek out Opportunities to NetworkProfessional events, LinkedIn, former employers, family & friendsStay on top of job market news/know your industry.Broaden search to other positions in your field; consider major-related positions in other industries.Competitive resume and cover letters (review and edit)Set realistic expectationsFocus on experience rather than salaryBe prepared to commute up to 1 hour to workExtend your search beyond the Metro-Boston area.

While Youre on Co-opBe professional always.Learn company policies and procedures (time off, appropriate use of resources such as email and phone, calling in sick, etc.)Ask questionsNever cruise the Internet while on the job.If issues arise while on co-op, contact your Co-op Advisor for assistance.Serious problems can result in termination of employment and failure of co-op

At the End of Your Co-opThank your supervisor and work colleagues for the co-op experience.Review and update your resume.Complete the student evaluationEncourage your employer to review your performance and complete the Employer Evaluation online before you leave.

What to do NextRead email from your Co-op Advisor about special instructions for your majorIf you have a resume, stop by the Career Center after Sept 10 for review with a Career PeerLog into WITworks and complete your account profile. Start at Lconnect Career Services, and then click here

Youre Almost Done!The last step in your Co-op Online Orientation is to complete the Spring 2013 Co-op Application by clicking here: Spring 2013 Co-op Application

Thank You!