STEPS TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL WORK TERM GETTING STARTED STEPS TO YOUR SUCCESSFUL WORK TERM Diana DaSilva – Co-op and Career Advisor myCareer Centre Office A218-15 519-542-7751 Ext. 3386 diana.dasilva@lambtoncollege.ca

myCareer Centre Services Co-op support: determine eligibility, grade and track modules for co-op, handle any breach of contract issues (student/employer responsibilities), ensure all co-op documents are completed and submitted before deadlines Job Search: available positions are posted to the myCareer Centre system. Provide students with resume and cover letter review as well as interview coaching (mock interviews) Job Development: Justin works to recruit employers for both co-op and graduate positions Events: employer showcase, information sessions, workshops, career fairs Login to the myCareer System to check out events and register online

myCareer System Search and apply to various job opportunities Co-op, part-time, summer, volunteer and graduate Set up advanced search and receive e-mail notifications Upload documents for co-op positions Receive and accept interview requests Set up appointments with your Co-op and Career Advisor View events calendar and register for upcoming events Go to: myCareer.lambtoncollege.ca Login using your Lambton College provided login and password If you require assistance please come to the myCareer Centre A218 or E-mail: myCareer@lambtoncollege.ca

Student/Employer Responsibilities During Work Term Complete all work term documents Adhere to Co-op policies and procedures Schedule your required 3 meetings on time with your supervisor Honour the contracted dates and number of hours required Strive to enhance skills, accepting both positive and/or negative feedback Provide orientation, training, supervision, and a safe work environment Provide duties and responsibilities related to the capabilities of the program of study Provide performance feedback and agree to meet with the student for 3 required Work Term Report meetings Honour the contracted dates and number of hours required Refer students to the full list of duties on the myCareer Centre site :Employer/Supervisor Responsibilities During the Work Term

The final responsibility for securing employment Securing a Co-op Ensure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and professional Conduct an ACTIVE job search Lambton College Postings (myCareer) Networking Approach employers directly Keep a professional online presence (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc..) Accept and attend all interviews ensuring you are well prepared Accept position and submit all required documentation to Co-op Advisor and employer (if requested) The final responsibility for securing employment rests with the student Documentation – employer may request additional documentation (criminal/vulnerable persons check, health screening, drug testing)

D2L and Co-op Modules To obtain your work term grade, you must: successfully complete all online modules of the Work Term Report on D2L and; successfully met your employment contract details (end date and required hours) Work term report details and modules will be on D2L – due dates will be throughout the term You are required to meet with your employer 3 times: Beginning – discuss goals and objectives and present program capabilities sheet Middle – discuss progress and address areas of strength and areas for development End – discuss final evaluation and get signatures on all documents required for submission All final paperwork is uploaded to D2L at the end of the co-op term, this includes your signed record of attendance, signed supervisor meeting report, completed employer evaluation form and updated resume

Work Term Report

Co-Op Eligibility In order to be in good standing for a cop-op work term the student must meet the following eligibility criteria: Have at least a passing grade in all program courses in semesters prior to the determination of eligibility; Be enrolled in, or have successfully completed, all program courses in the current semester at the time of application for co-op positions; Have a program cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above; Have successfully completed and previous co-op work term Students who do not meet eligibility criteria will be e-mailed. If you receive an e-mail and feel an error has been made, please contact me so we can re-evaluate and see if anything may have been overlooked or missed.

Resolving Co-op Issues Students are expected to manage their own affairs while on your work term however, there may be a situation requiring the assistance of your Co-op Advisor. Report and hazards or unsafe working conditions immediately Vacation/Time off? – you are not entitled to vacation and must complete your entire work term however, under special circumstances, time off may be approved by your employer prior to your work term. Fired? – if you are fired from your work place during the work term you must inform your Co-op Advisor immediately, a failing grade may result. Students who quit their work term regardless of the reason, without consulting their Co-op Advisor will receive a failing grade. Any work term concerns must be immediately communicated to your Advisor. COMMUNICATION IS ESSENTIAL

Job Search What do you have to offer? Program skills Transferable skills Certificates and achievements What are you looking for? Type of position Location/Relocation Wage Is your product packaged well? Professional and up-to-date resume and cover letter Letters of recommendation Business/networking cards Interview skills Program capabilities Assess employers and positions Where will your skills fit into the market? What are you qualified for? Are your goals realistic?

Approaching Job Search THE PASSIVE APPROACH Monitor the myCareer System Attend myCareer events THE ACTIVE APPROACH Utilize the Resources Available myCareer Centre, optimal resume, resume/cover letter review, mock interviews etc.. Network! Network! Network! Networking cards, informational interviews, program faculty, associations Research Business directories, job search websites (i.e. www.indeed.ca; www.coopjobs.ca; www.wowjobs.ca; www.talentegg.ca) Direct Employer Contact Cold calls, attend information sessions, myCareer Showcase, company contacts

Tools to help you stay on track

myCareer Job Postings Eligible students will be able to view the jobs and apply through myCareer How to apply for posted positions: Read job descriptions carefully Apply online with myCareer (unless indicated differently “apply direct”) Attach cover letter, resume – saved as PDF with no spaces in name Transcript – if requested NOTE: cover letters should be saved on our own drive and uploaded individually for each position. Rename documents for each application. i.e. ABCcoverletter

All interview decisions are made by the employers Interviews All interview decisions are made by the employers Check myCareer/e-mail daily for interview notifications A minimum of 24 hours notice must be given to cancel interviews Proper interview attire is required Review posting and program capabilities Ensure you are properly prepared: Company research Optimal resume – interview practice Mock interview

If position is non-paid, Insurance Paperwork is required Job Acceptance Before you accept your job: Clarify all details - location, hours, job description, contract dates Conditions of employment – criminal background checks, drivers abstract, drug or medical testing Once you accept your job: You are committed to that position – NO EXCEPTIONS Follow timelines for accepting positions Complete and sign pink “Work Term Acceptance” form within 24 hours of job acceptance and return to myCareer Centre Return fully completed and signed yellow “Work Term Agreement” form to Co-op office (if secured own position) If position is non-paid, Insurance Paperwork is required before you start

myCareer System myCareer.lambtoncollege.ca

Log in with your Lambton username and password

Make sure you click on “All Active Co-op Jobs”

Name your document the company name (i.e.”lambtoncollege” Upload PDF document with no space in title Retype document name above browser box under “Name”

Scroll over to cancel application

Co-Curricular Record Lambton offers numerous opportunities for students to get involved outside the classroom, become active contributors to their campus community, gain valuable experience and develop essential skills. This extracurricular involvement can now be recognized with a Co-Curricular Record (CCR): an official record of student participation and achievement outside the classroom. Create your own record of approved out of classroom experiences at Lambton College to track your leadership development, and volunteer work. This record will be validated by Lambton staff. You can print and use the record to complement your resume, assist you in professional language and contribute ideas to help you promote yourself during interviews. For CCR criteria, personal competencies definitions, FAQ's and to learn more visit https://www.mylambton.ca/CCR/Home/ For assistance email: ccr@lambtoncollege.ca

Co-Curricular Record How does CCR benefit a student? Demonstrates involvement/engagement outside the classroom and institutional pride Helps create and boost your cover letter and resume and prep for an interview Makes it easier to communicate your involvement and experience in an interview Attach your CCR to your application Why is CCR important to a potential employer? Demonstrates skills gained and involvement/experience outside of the classroom Shows competencies developed Helps build conversations in an interview setting Displays initiative and motivation to learn and develop skills

10 STEPS TO TURNING YOUR INTERNSHIP/CO-OP INTO A JOB

Lambton College DOES NOT guarantee that students will secure Work Term positions Every effort will be made to assist the student in securing a work term opportunity when the student participates and is involved in the process Questions???