Co-op Workshops: Stay a Step Ahead of the Competition

The SFU Co-op program sends hundreds of students on Co-op workterms every semester. The competition alone can be daunting, however, even if you are a junior student, with a little effort, and a little help from your Coordinators, you are as eligible for hire as your more experienced peers.

Co-operative Education provides a variety of workshops for Co-op students looking to maximize their Co-op job search. This is your opportunity to consider your present skill set and develop practical expertise toward setting yourself apart. While taking part in even one of these workshops will be beneficial, try them all and you will be surprised at how much more confident you will be as you submit that job application.

The Cover Letter Workshop: The cover letter is most often your potential employer’s first impression of your character. In this workshop, learn how to reflect your confidence and competence in a succinct manner. From proving that your skills are tailored to the position to demonstrating a keen knowledge of the employer’s organization, this 2-hour session will help to improve your chances of landing an interview.

The Resume Workshop: Your resume defines your strengths and experiences in an organized fashion. This workshop can transform your resume from dull and dreary to compelling, engaging and attractive.

The Interview Workshop: Many students become stressed at the prospect of attending a job interview. However, if you are prepared and confident, this experience can be much less of a fright! This workshop will arm you with the savvy necessary to impress your potential employer, as well as providing you with hands-on experience in answering interview questions and presenting yourself professionally.

The All-in-One: If you would rather develop all these skills in one sitting, then this is the workshop for you! This engaging 6-hour session is a job-seeker’s boot camp, in that it includes all of the information from the Cover Letter, Resume and Interview workshops! Give your Coordinators an afternoon and you will come out ready to begin a successful job hunt.

Transition to the Workplace Workshop: Once you’ve secured your first work term, this workshop will arm you with key know-how on the best ways to conduct yourself in a professional atmosphere, impress your supervisor and get the most out of your work term.

So remember, even if you have not begun to apply for Co-op positions, now is a great time to get a head start on the competition. Consider taking these first steps toward a satisfying Co-op experience.

Making the Most of your Co-op Workshops

• Register in advance, selecting a time that is most suited to your schedule
• Review and update your work search documents – resume, cover letter, references, and interview questions/journals
• Personalize it to you! Come prepared with your questions and interact with your peers and Coordinators during the sessions to grow and share your knowledge
• Schedule a follow up appointment with a Co-op Coordinator or Student Advisor, or a Career Services Advisor or Peer Advisor to review your documents one-on-one or to participate in a mock interview

Beyond the Article

• Register now for a Co-op workshops through Symplicity
• Prepare yourself for those difficult interview questions! Use the OLC's Interview Question Database
• Make the most of the additional resources on the OLC including a wide range of useful articles available about resumes, cover letters and interviews