Preparing For Employment
When one first enrolls into an institution of higher education, focus is typically placed on completing courses on time, studying hard and purchasing your graduation package. For some, getting ready for employment doesn't go further than relevant course work and interacting with schoolmates on group projects. There are a select few that will take interest in co-op work opportunities but only a handful will actually sign-up.
It may sound farfetched but it could be more of a reality than some would care to acknowledge. Yeah, sure they're present in the major/minor related electives but there are also alternative courses listed in place of the co-ops just in case the student wants to do something else.
The Co-Op
Co-ops are highly important because they can help get students through the doors to a potential job after or before graduation. Depending on the campus you're attending, the opportunity could be located on or off the main campus. If you're uncertain or just confused about the whole co-op thing, make an appointment with your advisor to discuss the matter.
Try to inquire about co-op options during your second year if you're working on a 4-yr degree. If you're working on a 2-yr degree, inquire during your second academic semester. That way, you'll be in a position to gain at least 2 - 3 or 1 - 1.5 years of work experience respectively prior to graduation.*
Since no two institutions of higher learning are alike, you should do your homework, so to speak, on the subject matter and how your school handles them. The more you know, the more informed you'll be. So don't hesitate to ask questions and certainly don't hesitate to look into alternatives should you not find a good fit in the co-op arena.
*Each co-op will be different because no one employer thinks alike.
An Alternative: Internships
Internships are often passed off as co-ops but they are two completely different animals. One of the top differences is that not all internships offer paid positions. Despite that, it will still function as a gateway to gaining hands-on experience within your field.
If all that is available are unpaid internships don't turn them down because the opportunities in experience gaining are extremely difficult to come by. What you can do instead is that once you receive your work schedule, find a side job that works around your internship schedule so that you can at least have something to keep you afloat till you land your dream job.
Resources
Outside of your school's career counseling center and academic advisors, there are other resources available to further assist you in your experience gaining opportunities. Internships.com is a source I was introduced to fairly late but found the site to be filled to the brim with very helpful information. The Resources drop menu is filled with information for both Students, Educators as well as Employers.
You can even explore your local library for books or even attend one of their workshops. Can't stress this enough but you really need to consider signing up for co-ops and internships while in school. Inquire early and check often as some opportunities only surface during particular times of year.
It may sound farfetched but it could be more of a reality than some would care to acknowledge. Yeah, sure they're present in the major/minor related electives but there are also alternative courses listed in place of the co-ops just in case the student wants to do something else.
The Co-Op
Co-ops are highly important because they can help get students through the doors to a potential job after or before graduation. Depending on the campus you're attending, the opportunity could be located on or off the main campus. If you're uncertain or just confused about the whole co-op thing, make an appointment with your advisor to discuss the matter.
Try to inquire about co-op options during your second year if you're working on a 4-yr degree. If you're working on a 2-yr degree, inquire during your second academic semester. That way, you'll be in a position to gain at least 2 - 3 or 1 - 1.5 years of work experience respectively prior to graduation.*
Since no two institutions of higher learning are alike, you should do your homework, so to speak, on the subject matter and how your school handles them. The more you know, the more informed you'll be. So don't hesitate to ask questions and certainly don't hesitate to look into alternatives should you not find a good fit in the co-op arena.
*Each co-op will be different because no one employer thinks alike.
An Alternative: Internships
Internships are often passed off as co-ops but they are two completely different animals. One of the top differences is that not all internships offer paid positions. Despite that, it will still function as a gateway to gaining hands-on experience within your field.
If all that is available are unpaid internships don't turn them down because the opportunities in experience gaining are extremely difficult to come by. What you can do instead is that once you receive your work schedule, find a side job that works around your internship schedule so that you can at least have something to keep you afloat till you land your dream job.
Resources
Outside of your school's career counseling center and academic advisors, there are other resources available to further assist you in your experience gaining opportunities. Internships.com is a source I was introduced to fairly late but found the site to be filled to the brim with very helpful information. The Resources drop menu is filled with information for both Students, Educators as well as Employers.
 |
| Resources drop menu: features various questions that are commonly asked in regards to internships along with answers. |
