create your own coop
Post on 10-Aug-2015
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Expanding Your Co-op
Opportunities
Northeastern UniversityCollege of Science
&Cooperative Education
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
Getting StartedThings to RememberPreparation TipsJob Search MethodsFinding Advertised JobsApplying to Advertised
JobsFinding Companies/Res
earchersContacting Companies/
ResearchersNext Steps
Table of Contents
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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