Expanding Your

Co-op

Opportunities

Northeastern

UniversityCollege of Science

&

Cooperative

Education

Benefits of exploring opportunities beyond

myNEUcool

Learn job search skills that are essential after

graduation

Pursue a unique interest

Create personal connections and networks

Access to opportunities beyond myNEUcool

May face less competition

Some employers might take a chance on an

individual but not a “program”

Expand Your Opportunities

Getting Started

Things to Remember

Preparation Tips

Job Search Methods

Finding Advertised Jobs

Applying to Advertised Jobs

Finding

Companies/Researchers

Contacting

Companies/Researchers

Next 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 searches

Refine 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

top

It’s not only what you know but who you know

Contacts and networking are essential

Use current contacts and take advantage of new networking

opportunities

Begin your search early in the co-op process

Keep 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 websites

Career 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 deadline

Tell 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 employers

Prepare for conversations or interviews

Make sure you have a reference list prepared

Keep your Co-op Faculty informed and use her/him

as a resource and partner

Stay 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