Getting Started
Group co-op orientation sessions are held so that you can learn how to use the services of the Office of Co-op & Career Services to find a job. Announcements about sessions are made well in advance, usually on your department bulletin board, in your mail folder, e-mail, and through our web site on Job Zone. For some majors, these orientations are part of required co-op courses or career seminars.

Finding a Co-op
Use 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, and have the ability to apply online.

We recommend that you also develop job leads and apply for jobs on your own. This co-op 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.

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 with all of your upcoming tasks. You should try to begin your job search during the academic quarter prior to the quarter you plan to start your job. (Ex. If you're planning to co-op in the fall quarter, you should begin your job search at the beginning of summer quarter). As you complete each task, put a check mark in the box. 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
__ Resumes
__ Cover letters
__ Housing concerns

Read the RIT Job Zone Quick 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 Co-op Info 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 constant communication RIT Job Zone!!!!!
Keep checking for new listings with your program coordinator
Resumes, resumes, resumes….keep sending and following up on your resumes