1. 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
Ext. 3386

2. 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

3. myCareer System Search and apply to various job opportunities
Co-op, part-time, summer, volunteer and graduate
Set up advanced search and receive 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. Work Term Report

8. 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
(2.5 for some programs)
Students who do not meet eligibility criteria will be ed. If you receive an 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.

9. Co-Op Eligibility Policy Eligibility Criteria Effective September 2016
Conditional students are NOT able to complete a co-op/internship even if secured by the student
Co-op eligibility requirements need to be met before a co-op placement will be approved. This may involve deferring a co-op term until all eligibility criteria is met
This applies to both optional and mandatory co-op programs

10. 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

11. 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?

12. 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
Direct Employer Contact
Cold calls, attend information sessions, myCareer Showcase, company contacts

13. 30 Second Summary
A 30 second summary is a summary of your background, education, work experience and skills. You want to make sure that you are talking about your positive attributes, strengths and what you have to offer. Keep your 30 Second Summary brief and to the point.
How to create your 30 Second Introduction:
Introduce your name
Outline your relevant education and training
Mention your relevant work experience
Identify a few skills you would like to mention to the employer (proficient in Microsoft Excel, exceptional troubleshooting skills, etc. )

14. 30 Second Summary When to use your 30 Second Introduction:
Introducing yourself to potential employers and recruiters
Contacting employers or leaving a voice mail message
Sending an to introduce yourself to a prospective employer
When networking with friends, family and people you meet at events
Answering interview questions such as, “Tell me about yourself”
Example: “Hi, my name is Joe Student. I’m an Office Administration student at Lambton College. I have a background in book keeping and payroll entry, along with experience in event planning. I’ve completed training in various computer applications such as Microsoft Office Word and Excel. I possess strong organizational and time management skills and am able to complete tasks with a strong attention to detail. I’m eager to join your company so I can utilize my skills, training and experience and make a positive contribution to the team.

15. (jobs that are not posted online or advertised)
Cold Calling
Cold calling is contacting an employer that you have not been in touch with before. The purpose of conducting a cold call is to research employers, expand your network and learn about potential job leads. Cold calling is one of the most effective ways of tapping into the hidden job market (jobs that are not advertised).
FACT: Stats indicate that approximately 80% of jobs are found through the hidden job market.
(jobs that are not posted online or advertised)

16. Cold Calling Benefits Preparation
Cold calling allows you to tap into the hidden job market
Save you time! You can connect with many employers over the phone in a short amount of time. Try to avoid Monday’s and Friday’s when conducting cold calls, employers are often busy during or not available during those days.
Cold calling is an effective way to expand your network and learn of opportunities before they are posted. Sometimes it is connecting with someone at the right time!
Research employers
Prepare a list of potential companies you would like to contact
Keep your records of the employers you have contacted and the results. If there is a follow up required indicate that in your notes
Have important information in front of you (resume, company information)
Practice your 30 second summary and have it in front of you to help with your introduction
Tip: Prepare a list of potential companies and rank them 1,2,3 -1s being you are very interested in those companies. Start by contacting the number 3s and by the time you get to the 1s you will feel more confident with you cold calling skills

17. Cold Calling Tips/Checklist
Be yourself, be professional and show your passion and enthusiasm
Introduce yourself! Tell the employer about your qualification and what you can offer
Conduct the call somewhere private where it is quiet and you won’t be distracted
Prepare yourself for employer objections. It may not be a good time for them, thank them for their time and call the next employer OR ask if they have time for an informational interview (gather information and ask exploratory questions about the industry/field, their position, etc.)
Tell the employer that you are seeking an opportunity and listen to them carefully
Try to be brief (they are busy), always be respectful and thank them for their time
PRACTICE!!!

18. Sample Cold Calling Script
“Hi my name is Joe Student; I am a first year student in the Millwright Mechanical Technician program at Lambton College. My training and practical experience has providing me with effective machining techniques and strategies. Throughout my time in the program I have been able to strengthen my problem solving and troubleshooting skills. I also posses strong communication skills and can easily build strong and lasting relationships with team members and various trade workers. I am wondering if your company anticipates any summer co-op opportunities for someone with my skills and experience. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss this with you in person and further detail my qualifications and how I can support your company. Are you available to meet in the near future or could I send you my resume?”

19. Ontario Co-op Tax Credit
Inform Ontario employers that if they hire you, they would be eligible for a co-op tax credit of up to $3000/student/co-op term
(proper paperwork must be completed prior to start of co-op)
Provide the employer a copy of the Co-op Tax Credit Information Sheet
Available on my myCareer site or in the myCareer Centre
2nd year ICET students would be able to provide two credits if they are hired from May – December (up to $6000 over two terms)
3rd year ICET students would be able to provide one if they are hired from May- August (up to $3000 total)

20. 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

21. All interview decisions are made by the employers
Interviews
All interview decisions are made by the employers
Check myCareer/ 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

22. 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 the online work term record form within 24 hours of job acceptance
For student secured positions – complete the online work term record form. Employer verification will be completed by the advisor to confirm position details
If position is non-paid, Insurance Paperwork is required
before you start

23. myCareer System myCareer.lambtoncollege.ca

24. Log in with your Lambton username and password

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

30. 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”

35. Scroll over to cancel application

36. Online Work Term Record Form
An online work term record must be completed:
1. within 24 hours of an offer letter being presented by your Co-op Advisor
2. if you have secured a position on your own (not posted through the myCareer system)

37. BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR ONLINE WORK TERM RECORD
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BEFORE SUBMITTING YOUR ONLINE WORK TERM RECORD
By submitting a complete online work term record, you will no longer be able to access co-op postings for your program on the myCareer system
Incomplete work term records will not be saved. All mandatory fields are required for successful submission. If you do not have all of the information, you will need to gather the details and start over

38. Online Work Term Record
To find the online work term record form, log into your myCareer account
and click on the co-op tab.

39. Online Work Term Record
Click the blue CREATE WORK TERM RECORD to begin entering your co-op/internship information

41. Completing the online work term record form
Your offer paperwork should includes all of the required information to complete your work term record (employer contact, wage, hours per week, etc.)
You will be required to agree to student responsibilities and consent for release of information statements. Students must select YES to continue on with the form and submit the work term record
The comments field is optional and can include any additional information not included in the work term record. Example: schedule, honorarium information, etc.
Completed forms will remain in a pending status for review by the co-op advisor. Once the co-op advisor has reviewed the information, the status of the work term record will be changed to approved
Student secured positions require verification from the employer. Once the work term record is submitted by the student, the co-op advisor will contact the employer/supervisor to verify the details of the offer. If the information aligns and the position meets co-op criteria, the work term record will be approved

42. 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  For assistance

43. 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

44. 10 STEPS TO TURNING YOUR INTERNSHIP/CO-OP INTO A JOB

45. 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
Appointments can be made through the myCareer system. Drop-in times available daily 9am – 10am and 3pm – 4pm.
Questions???