finding a co-op job
Links to additional co-op information:
Intro to Co-op | Programs by Major | Notification and Reporting | Responsibilities and Ethics | Co-op Profiles
Getting
Started
Group co-op orientation sessions are held so that you can learn how to use the services and resources of the Office of Co-op and Career Services to find a job. Announcements about sessions are made well in advance, usually on your department bulletin board, through e-mail, and on our web site. For some majors, these orientations are part of required co-op courses or career seminars.
When to Begin the Job Search
It’s never too early to begin your co-op job search! Starting 2 quarters before you are scheduled to co-op will prepare you to submit your resume to employers who require early resume submission. The quarter right before you co-op is typically the busiest with resume submissions, interviews and related job search activities.
RIT Job Zone
You have access to co-op opportunities through our web site. RIT Job Zone is the part of our site where you have online access to co-op job postings and on-campus interview opportunities with the ability to apply online. Using Job Zone, you can view job descriptions and apply to all positions for which you are qualified. Create a search agent to receive notification of new job openings that match your job search profile.
Login to Job Zone on the student portal page of our site using your RIT computer account and password. Complete your profile and store your resume in the system. (Developing a new resume is easy: use the Resume Builder in Job Zone!) It includes templates and resume examples to help you develop your own. See Job Zone Guide for more details.
Pay attention to the requirements listed by the employer. Some employers will direct you to submit your resume through the company web site – be sure to follow these directions carefully. Keep your options open and avoid limiting yourself to a specific employer or geographic location.
Employer on-campus information sessions and special events are also posted on Job Zone. We sponsor a number of career fairs throughout the year which gives you the opportunity to meet with recruiters looking to hire co-op students for openings within their company. You can view the details of upcoming Career Fairs and related activities, including workshops on job search topics sponsored by the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services.
Developing Your Own Leads
The best job search is a comprehensive one. RIT Job Zone is only one source of co-op job openings. Look for co-op jobs utilizing other sources: your network of friends, professors, past employers, coaches, clubs and professional associations, and we recommend checking the list of Recommended Web Sites on our student portal page for other sites. Apply for positions found “on your own” and keep a record of your job applications.
We recommend that you also develop job leads and apply for jobs on your own. This strategy is especially important if you are not open to applying to all jobs you are qualified for. Meet with your program coordinator to develop you own personal job search plan.
You should always continue your search until you have been offered and accepted a position!
How Your Program Coordinator Helps
Program Coordinators in the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services are assigned to each major and are available year round to assist and advise students with the job search process and any career-related concerns. You can meet with your individual Coordinator for personalized service as well as through regularly offered seminars and workshops. Coordinators work closely with your academic department and foster relationships with employers and develop employment opportunities.
Prepare for Interviews
Brush up on interviewing skills and attend mock interview programs to prepare for the real thing. We recommend you check out our interviewing, interview questions, and typical interview format pages. Remember to send employers a brief thank you note after the interview and follow-up with employers to check on the status of your application. Make sure you have appropriate interview attire and arrive for the interview 15 minutes before scheduled time.
Co-op Timeline
Beginning a co-op job search can be overwhelming. To make the best use of your time, it is important that you are thorough and organized. Below is a 10-week timeline to keep you on track. Ideally you should be ready to apply to openings two quarters before you plan to co-op.The quarter right before you co-op is typically the busiest with resume submissions, interviews and related job search activities. This should help you remember all that you'll need to do to land the perfect job!
Week
1
Schedule an appointment with your program
coordinator or attend a co-op orientation to discuss:
• RIT Job Zone
• Your Resume
• Cover letters
• Housing concerns
• Personal Job Search Strategy
Read the RIT Job Zone Guide, Job Search Strategies, Resume Writing and Correspondence handouts.
Week
2
• Start compiling a list of companies
• Start identifying and applying for jobs via RIT Job Zone,
the internet, and other resources (faculty, family, friends,
etc.)
• Research and consider professional associations for networking
and job opportunities
• Finalize resume edits with program coordinator
• Start sending resumes to contacts
• Read your RIT Networking
and Informational Interviews handout.
Week
3
• Continue submitting resumes and searching for job opportunities
• Create a contact log to maintain current records of your all
job search activities (record all contact and address information
for each organization you apply to, updating the log with
each follow-up call or letter, interview, etc.)
Week
4
• Make follow up phone calls/emails to check on your status
• Read your RIT E-Mail
Manners handout
• Continue submitting resumes and searching for job opportunities
• Update your contact log
Week
5
• Brush up on your interviewing skills; consider a mock interview
with your program coordinator
• Evaluate your progress: are you getting responses?
• Make sure you have appropriate interview attire
• Are you still sending out resumes? Still checking RIT Job
Zone for jobs?
Week
6
• Schedule interviews
• Read your RIT Company
Research,
Interview Preparation, Day
of the Interview handouts
• Continue with follow ups, research and sending out resumes
• Check RIT Job Zone daily for new job listings
• Ask your program coordinator about any local career fairs
Week
7
• Send thank
you letters to employers within 24 hours of your interview
• Schedule 2nd interviews (if necessary)
• Continue with research and submitting resumes and your follow
ups on resumes and interviews
• Discuss alternatives with either your program coordinator
or your faculty advisor in the event that you don't secure
a co-op job for the desired quarter
Week
8
• Don't forget to check RIT Job Zone for new job listings
• Meet with your program coordinator to discuss your job search
• Continue with to follow up and research
• Keep sending out resumes
Week
9
• Accept/reject/negotiate job offers
• Read your Evaluating
Offers handout
• Report
your job through the Student Portal page of the Office of Co-op & Career Services
site (report your job link is found under the Just For You heading)
• Determine start and end dates of your co-op job
• Confirm salary and housing accommodations
• If still looking, continue with follow ups, research and sending
out resumes
• Register for your co-op on SIS, at the college registrar or
with your academic department
Week
10
• Get to work!
• If still looking, stay in communication with your program coordinator
• Keep checking RIT Job Zone!!!!!
for new listings
• Resumes, resumes, resumes….keep sending and following
up on your resumes