Co-op Action Guide

The Co-ops & Careers Office offers many resources and events to equip you with the necessary tools to evolve your skills and ultimately excel in the industry of your choice.

Action Items Before and During Your Co-op

(Italicized Items are Required to Receive Co-op Credit)

Familiarize yourself with the Co-ops & Careers resources
Prepare a draft of your resume
Submit Co-op Terms & Conditions on WITworks
Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor to gain WITworks access
Register for and pass Intro to Co-op (COOP 2500)
International Students: talk with ISSE about CPT requirements
Begin to create a portfolio of industry relevant work/projects
Join professional and student organizations
Identify companies with early application deadlines

Meet with your Co-op & Career Advisor to finalize your application materials
Upload your resume to WITworks
Set up email alerts on WITworks and other job boards for positions of interest
Begin applying for co-ops, customizing your application to each opportunity
Schedule a mock interview with your Co-op & Career Advisor
Create list of references
Register for your co-op semester on Leopardweb
Make sure your interview attire fits, is clean and pressed or visit WITwear to borrow items

Continue applying and interviewing
Meet with Co-op & Career Advisor if not getting interviews
Send thank you notes 24 hours after all interviews
Review co-op offers
Accept a co-op offer and notify any other employers with whom you have interviewed to withdraw your candidacy
Once you accept a co-op offer you MUST STOP applying and interviewing
Report your hire on WITworks
International Students: complete all CPT paperwork, get it signed by your Co-op & Career Advisor, and submit it to ISSE
Thank your references and let them know you accepted a coop

Create work plan with supervisor outlining your responsibilities & addressing your learning goals
Meet regularly with your supervisor about your progress
Network with people across the organization and conduct informational interviews
Create a portfolio of accomplishments, deliverables, skills acquired or honed, and recognition
At the end of your co-op, ask for a LinkedIn recommendation
To ensure a passing grade: complete your self-evaluation, ensure that your employer evaluation is completed, and adhere to requirements outlined in the Co-op Terms & Conditions