Skip to main content
Communication, Art + Technology › Communication
SFU Co-op Student

empty
A photo of the author smiling
Regardless of whether or not you are selected as a successful candidate for the position, you gain countless benefits through every interview experience.

Congratulations! You have been accepted into the SFU co-op program, completed BOL training, finished all your workshops and now you are finally ready to tackle myExperience to secure the co-op placement of your dreams! Not so fast...what many first-time co-op seekers forget is that the first placement is largely the most difficult to secure.  After a challenging 15 weeks, 14 applications and 5 interviews later I finally landed the co-op job of a lifetime! I have compiled a list of what I consider are the most crucial tips to securing your first co-op placement.

1. Your Co-op Advisor is your Best Friend

I cannot express enough gratitude towards my co-op advisor Sara Sethna, who supported me throughout my entire application process.  Take advantage of the resources provided to you through your Co-op department. Set up mock-interviews, have your cover letters proofed, request to read old work reports and check in with advisors for general application advice...they are there to help you succeed!

2. Welcome Every Interview Opportunity that Comes your Way

Regardless of whether or not you are selected as a successful candidate for the position, you gain countless benefits through every interview experience. While co-op interviews may initially be a daunting undertaking, the only way to become more comfortable with the process is to gain confidence through exposure. I maintained an interview journal where I reflected upon each interview experience and took note of the questions I was asked, the responses I gave and how I felt that they were received. You know yourself better than anyone else…self-assessment is a crucial component to future achievement in the workplace.

3. Be Flexible

Broaden your horizons: consider positions outside your faculty and out of town. Drawn towards marketing positions, I was initially intimidated to apply for Co-ops generally held by business students. After finding myself shortlisted for several marketing positions, I gained the confidence I needed to pursue business co-ops and I am so thankful that I decided to step out of the comfort zone.

4. Learn to be Persistent and Positive

I would be lying if I said didn’t have my heart broken by a couple of companies after finding out that I was not a successful candidate for my dream job after coming very far along in the interviewing process. Always keep in mind that co-op is competitive… don’t let yourself be discouraged by rejection. Persistence and positivity are key!

5. Dedicate the Time

I never truly understood the demands of the application process until I was in the thick of it. Avoid getting overwhelmed by managing your time effectively.  I dedicated 8-10 hours weekly, researching companies, composing cover letters and tailoring my resume. Keep in mind that co-op employers do look at your GPA (along with many other elements) as part of your application package... don’t forget to make schoolwork a priority!

While Co-op hunting certainly has its merits, the rewards are endless. I am a firm believer that co-op work experience is the best way to harvest industry skills, network – make connections, get your foot in the door and to determine where your strengths, talents and passions lie. While just a month into my first co-op interning at an advertising agency I have already begun to develop a strong set of professional communication and marketing skills while falling in love with an industry I had never previously considered exploring. Best of luck to first time co-op hunters! 

SFU Co-op Student
Connect with Kelly on Twitter and LinkedIn

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections, Life Experience, Career Exploration, Professional Development, Job Search

stingray up close
Self-Directed All The Way

 

Jan is in their third year, have completed two work terms, and are beginning to realize that their beliefs back then about what co-op could offer only scratched the surface of what is really available to students. One area about which they were previously unaware, but have now come to take full advantage of, is Self-Directed Placement.

tower in ottawa
Increasing Your Chances of Working for the Government

With the stability and the opportunities that a government position provides, it’s not surprising that a lot of students are interested with working for the government. The What Can I Do in Government session gave students an opportunity to network with a panel consisting of alumni, current students and managers who are experienced in working for the public sector. Read on for some insights and tips that the panelists provided!

Old magazine that reads, "Cool! English"
Doing Your English Degree? Be Ready fro Unexpected Career Opportunities

What can you do with an English degree? The wide range of opportunities may surprise you. Arts & Social Sciences Co-op staff and English Undergraduate Advisor offer tips on pursuing a career with a degree in English.

You Might Like These... Co-op Reflections

Jenny Vo Headshot
How to Maximize Your Return on University Investment | Part One | Get Involved and Utilize On-Campus Resources

Have you ever wondered why you should go to university and what you have done to make your university life meaningful? Have you ever been in a situation where you have no clue of what to do with your life and how to start making every penny of your tuition fees worth it? Have you ever felt frightened when thinking about your future career? I was in the same position so I want to share some tips on how to not regret going to school and how to get ready to face your future!

Indigenous students
Indigenous Student Transitions | Part One

Indigenous students transitioning to post-secondary often face unique challenge, which is why it's important to learn about all the community resources and scholarships avalible to Indigenous students at SFU.
 

Student studying
5 Practical Study Tips for Learning Efficiently

Studying does not have to be painful nor require enormous amounts of time and effort. Discover how to become a more efficient learner with these five unconventional study tips.