lessons learn to land a good co-oop for everyone
- 1. Module 6 Putting it all together
- 2. 1. Review Key Lessons 2. Setting Goals and Planning 3. NU Resources & Supports 4. Professional Standards Agreement Topics
- 3. Learning Objectives • Summarize key concepts from previous modules to reinforce understanding of your professional identity, the strategies for an effective job search, and the skills needed to excel in the workplace • Create specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time- bound (SMART) goals for your co-op job search and upcoming work term. • Identify and plan to utilize available resources, including co-op advisors, for guidance and support in your career journey. • Explain the importance of the Professional Standards Agreement in maintaining high professional standards during work terms.
- 4. True or False Being able to understand and articulate your qualifications, interests, values, and career goals is the very first step of a successful job search. Applying to any professional position you see without considering your interest or qualifications is a recommended strategy for busy students – especially if you haven’t figured out what jobs/companies you’re interested in yet. In today’s competitive labor market, sending out many un-tailored job applications is more effective than sending out a smaller number of carefully customized ones. Having a clear plan, setting goals, staying organized, and reflecting on your progress are key factors that separate most successful job seekers from unsuccessful job seekers. Successful networking primarily involves asking for favours from random individuals on LinkedIn or at networking events, rather than focusing on building meaningful relationships with people. Securing a co-op position is your responsibility, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. You have a team available to assist you throughout your job search and work term. ✓ ✓ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✓
- 5. Foundation: Understanding Ourselves We started with discovering who we are as professionals. We talked about our unique interests, values, and career goals. This self- discovery journey helped us see how our personal qualities match up with our career dreams. We also worked on creating a strong elevator pitch, which is super important for leaving a good impression in our career talks. Action: Launching Our Job Search We then spent most of our time focusing on taking active steps in our job hunt to get closer to our career goals. We covered how to make impressive resumes and cover letters that catch employers' attention. We also picked up strategies for effective job searching and networking. Plus, we learned how to prepare for interviews so we can present ourselves confidently and talk about our strengths. Performance: Excelling in Our Roles We ended with thinking about how we can turn our potential into success in the workplace by becoming valuable team members. We talked about understanding what's expected of us at work, our rights, and our responsibilities. We also learned how to use the skills we developed during our job search, like good communication and professionalism, to do well in our jobs and handle workplace challenges. Looking Back
- 6. What are my… Credentials What have I done or achieved so far? Which personal, professional or educational experiences significantly influenced me? Skills What am I really good at? What do I do better than most people? What skills or knowledge do I have that I want to use in my career? Personality Who am I? How would I describe myself? How do others describe me? Values What's important to me? What do I want to see more of in my life or society as a whole? Interests What do I actually like doing? What gives me pleasure? How do I spend my spare time? What websites / social media pages do follow? Goals What do I want to do? What do I want to accomplish? Where do I see myself in 1 year? 5 years? 10 years? What are some of my priorities?
- 7. Passive Job Searching Passive job searching typically involves waiting for job openings to be advertised and then applying through traditional channels. In this approach, you might regularly check job boards and company websites, submit applications for posted positions, and then passively await a response. This method is more about responding to opportunities as they arise rather than actively seeking them out. It can be less time-consuming but limits your exposure to only those opportunities that are widely advertised, missing out on other options that may not be as visible. Proactive Job Searching Proactive job searching on the other hand, involves a more dynamic and hands-on approach. Yes, you'll use job boards like NU Works, but you'll also actively seek out additional opportunities. This might include networking to uncover unadvertised positions, reaching out to companies directly, attending career fairs, and connecting with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Proactive searching puts you in control and can lead to more opportunities, as you're actively engaging with the job market and making yourself known to potential employers. VS
- 8. Proactive Job Searching 1. Understanding your qualifications 2. Conducting industry research 3. Targeting key companies 4. Joining professional associations 5. Attending networking events 6. Leveraging existing connections 7. Cold contacting employers of interest 8. Utilizing NUworks and other job posting boards 9. Creating fully customized job applications 10. Optimizing LinkedIn presence 11. Participating in mentorship programs: 12. Practicing interview skills 13. Following up after applications and interviews 14. Staying organized 15. Seeking help & getting feedback
- 9. 2. Research Companies: Once you know which industries interest you, research specific companies in those areas. Look for companies that match your values and offer a good work environment. Think about the size of the company, the projects they work on, and their reputation in the industry. 1. Explore Industries Look into different industries related to your field. Analytics students, for example, might consider manufacturing, finance, IT, or healthcare sectors. Those in regulatory affairs might look at pharmaceuticals, government, cosmetics, consumer goods, or even food. 3. Identify Specific Roles: After you've picked your industries and companies, find specific positions that align with your skills, interests, and goals. Identify exact job titles for roles that align with your expertise and be aware of the responsibilities and qualifications for these roles. Setting Your Target
- 10. Your Research Resources LinkedIn LinkedIn is not just for networking; it's also a powerful research tool. You can follow companies, explore employee profiles, and see where fellow alumni from your program are currently employed. LinkedIn also has a job search feature that let’s you find and apply for current roles. Job Search Boards Platforms like Indeed, Glassdoor, Ladders and USAJobs are invaluable for viewing current job openings. They provide insights into job requirements, salary expectations, and employee reviews, helping you gauge company cultures and the nature of various roles. Company Web Pages Company websites are a goldmine of information. They often provide details about the company's mission, values, culture, and the types of projects or products they work on. Reviewing these websites can help you understand whether it aligns with your own career aspirations. Professional Associations Professional associations, specific to your field of study, provide industry news, trends, networking opportunities, and sometimes job boards specific to your field. They are excellent resources for staying informed about industry trends and connecting with like-minded professionals. Informational Interviews Conducting informational interviews is a fantastic way to gather insider information about a particular role, company, or industry. Reach out to professionals through LinkedIn or your network, and ask if they can spare a few minutes to talk about their experiences. Labor Market Information Website Websites like Canada’s Job Bank and WorkBC provide extensive labor market information, including job outlooks, average salaries, educational requirements, and essential skills for various industries and occupations, making them key resources for career planning.
- 11. The jobs that are out there (titles and tasks) The requirements/qualifications for those jobs The pay range (entry-level, mid & experienced) The companies/industries hiring that position The career outlook for those jobs/industries The pros and cons (job satisfaction & frustrations) Questions to identify good industries: • What industries need the skills and knowledge I'm learning in school? • Which growing industries match what I'm good at and interested in? • Which industries have a secure future that fits with my career plans? Questions to identify good companies: • What companies do I admire or use that also offer co-op roles in my field? • What companies have an environment that matches how I like to work? • What is the commute like? Will it require re-locating? Questions to identify good roles: • Which job titles fit what I've studied and what I can do well? • What kind of work do I want to do and learn more about during my co-op? • What skills do I still need to develop and can I do that in these roles? What You Need to Know
- 12. Elevator Pitch / Brand Summary STAR Stories & Accomplishment Statements Resumes & Cover Letters Social Media Presence Personal Website or Online Portfolio Samples of Work Blogging or Publishing Professional References & Contacts Testimonials & Reviews What You Need to Have
- 14. When you apply for a job, it's important to be honest about what you can do and what you've done in the past. If you say you have certain skills or experience that you don’t really have, you could get in trouble. Imagine getting a job and not being able to do what you said you could – not only will people lose trust in you (it will tarnish your personal brand), but you might get fired, and in some cases, there might even be legal consequences. Rather than applying to everything you see, focus on jobs that match your academic learning, utilize your skills, and align with your career goals. Think about the type of work, the company culture, and how the role fits into your career trajectory. Before you apply, ask yourself: "Does this job match what I'm learning in my program? Does it use the skills I already have and help me develop new ones? Is it something I’m genuinely excited about?” Before you hit the 'submit' button on your application, take a moment to review everything. Ask yourself two important questions: "Is everything on my resume true?" and "Am I honestly interested in this job?" This quick check helps make sure that you're staying true to your skills and interests, and that you're applying for jobs in a way that aligns with both professional and ethical standards. 1. BE HONEST 2. BE SELECTIVE 3. BE SURE Job Applications Considerations
- 15. Track Your Progress A successful project manager keeps detailed records. Use a spreadsheet or an app to record company names, job titles, application dates, and responses received. This systematic approach keeps you organized and ensures timely follow-ups for managing your job search. Set SMART Goals When it comes to managing any project, goals need to be SMART - Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, set targets like weekly job applications or regular networking with professionals. These realistic goals maintain focus and momentum without undue stress. Plan Your Job Search Like a project manager, schedule regular weekly hours for your job search, just as you do for classes or study sessions. Allocate this time for activities like researching companies, applying for jobs, and interview prep. A consistent schedule helps you stay organized and effective without feeling overwhelmed. Think Like a Project Manager Managing your job search is like running a personal project where you're the project manager. It requires planning, organization, and goal-setting. Here are three key strategies to effectively manage your job search.
- 16. Goal Setting Goal setting means deciding what you want to achieve and creating a clear plan with deadlines to help you get it. It's like having a roadmap to help you stay on track, concentrate your efforts, and keep yourself motivated to help make your dreams a reality
- 17. Short-Term Goal Example: Get MS degree Long-Term Goal Example: Get PhD degree Personal Goal Example: Lose weight Professional Goal Example: Get a co-op Results Goal Example: Get a 4.0 GPA Process Goal Example: Study 3 hours a day Types of Goals 01 02 03
- 18. Specific Your goals should be clear and specific so you know exactly what you're aiming for. Instead of saying "I want to do well in school," set a specific goal like "I aim to achieve a 3.5 GPA this semester." Measurable Include precise amounts, dates, or other measurable indicators in your goals. For example, "Read one book related to my major every month" is a measurable goal that allows you to track your progress. Attainable Set goals that are realistic and attainable. While it's good to aim high, your goals should match your current abilities and resources. For instance, if you're new to coding, a goal like "Learn the basics of Python in two months" is more achievable than "Master advanced Python in two weeks." Relevant Your goals should align with your broader life and career aspirations. A relevant goal might be "Network with three professionals in my field each month" rather than spending time on unrelated activities. Time-Bound Your goals should have a deadline. This helps you stay focused and motivated. For example, "Finalize and submit my updated resume and cover letters to five chosen companies within the next two weeks." SMART Goals
- 19. Prioritize Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick a couple of main goals to focus on, like "Attend two networking events this month" or "Apply to three jobs each week." This way, you won’t feel swamped. Celebrate The Wins Every time you achieve one of these small steps, give yourself a pat on the back. Finished your LinkedIn profile? That's a win! Got a response from a job application? Another win! These little celebrations keep you motivated. Stay Positive When you're setting goals for your job search or career, use positive words. Say "I will create a strong resume by next week" instead of "I won't have a weak resume." Think Small Big goals can be overwhelming. Break them into smaller tasks. For example, instead of "Get a job in marketing," start with "Update my LinkedIn profile," then "Research five marketing companies." Talk About Them Jot down your career goals in a notebook or your phone. Then, share them with a friend or a mentor. This makes your goals feel more real and you’ve got someone to cheer you on. Check-In Every so often, look at your goals and see how you’re doing. Maybe you’ve changed your mind about the kind of job you want, or you’ve learned a new skill. It’s okay to change your goals to fit where you’re at now. Goal Setting Tips!
- 20. Congratulations…. 1. Thank the employer and request 2-3 days to decide. 2. Consult your Co-op Advisor for guidance. 3. Carefully weigh your options and reach a decision. 4. Inform the employer and your Advisor of your choice. Note: Once you accept a job offer, your job search is over. That means you must decline any current or future interview requests or job offers you receive. It also means you may not accept more than one job offer and you may not renege on an accepted job offer
- 21. Based on the research you did, create a personal checklist of your "Must Haves" and "Nice to Haves" for a co-op position. This list should reflect a realistic assessment of your qualifications and the job market. Consider factors like: • Compensation: Is the pay fair and does it meet your financial requirements? • Office Environment / Organization Culture: Does the company culture fit your preferred working style? • Job Responsibilities / Learning Potential: Will the job provide you with valuable experience and knowledge that will be beneficial in your future career? • Lifestyle / Flexibility: Does the job offer work-life balance and flexible working hours if needed? • Location / Transportation: Is the job location convenient for you, or will it require a long commute or relocation? Aim for a balance between being selective and open to opportunities. Evaluate each potential role against your checklist, ensuring it challenges you appropriately while still being within reach given your experience. This balanced approach will help you find a co-op job that's not just a good match, but also a stepping stone for your future career. Evaluating Your Offers