When starting a new job it is important to remember that the people you work with will be your references for future co-ops and full-time employment later on. Treat your co-workers and people at every level in the office with the same courtesy and respect that you would like to be treated.
Furthermore, as an ambassador for SFU at the workplace, you are not operating as a free agent but rather, your behaviour and attitude on the job will affect the reputation of SFU Co-op and may impact on opportunities for future co-op students.
Site Visits are a critical part of your work term experience. Your coordinator will set up a time and date to meet with you and your supervisor at your work site. Your learning objectives, progress, performance, future goals, and work report requirements will be reviewed. It's also your opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
a. When does my site visit happen?
You will be contacted by a coordinator to arrange a meeting sometime during weeks 6-12. With the number of students in Computing Science Co-op, the visits are spread over several weeks so that coordinators can also be on campus to help the students who are applying for jobs in the current term. You may get a visit from a coordinator from a different discipline (e.g. Biology, Engineering) who is doing other visits in the area.
If a visit is not possible, then your coordinator will conduct the site visit by telephone or e-mail. If any concerns or problems arise during your work term, contact your coordinator immediately. Do not wait until the site visit.
b. How do I prepare for it?
Each site visit is based on your individual circumstances, but there are things you could prepare in advance. Here are a few suggestions:
- Compare your progress to your original learning objectives
- Complete the Site Visit Temperature Check form
- Think about what else you've accomplished so far, both in terms of hard and soft skills
- Note any questions you have about your work term and be prepared to discuss any problems you're having
c. What do I gain from the site visit?
Site visits provide you with an opportunity to discuss what you do and how you like it. It's also a chance to discuss how to handle certain problems, your future academic and career plans, and to see how to expand your current experience. In addition, it’s an important time to get some feedback from your employer or supervisor, and to discuss whether or not you can stay on for a second term.
d. What does a coordinator gain from the site visit?
The coordinator gets a chance to see how you are doing at the work site and to get to know you in a professional environment. They are also there to help you if you have any questions or concerns.
Coordinators take turns visiting work sites so that they are each familiar with the different locations and circumstances that the students might find themselves in. If your coordinator is new to a place, try to arrange a brief tour (some places are very interesting!).
After meeting with you, the coordinator may have arranged secondary meetings with managers in the company to help promote SFU Co-op and to generate more jobs, not only for Computing Science but for other departments as well.
Research suggests that it is very helpful for co-op students to pause and reflect at the end of each work practicum on what has been learned and accomplished before moving on to the next work practicum or study semester. This will help you re-evaluate your skills, strengths and allow you to acknowledge areas for improvement. It will also help other students to research the company for future job opportunities.
As part of your commitment to the Co-operative Education program, you are required to submit a work report and the supervisor's evaluation form for each four-month term - guidelines are available under Forms.
NOTE: Work Report/Project may be viewed by others. Please advise your Co-op Coordinator if you have any concerns about this.
