Co-op during COVID-19: Tips for a successful work term

Laurier will continue to provide most courses online and virtually during the fall 2020 and winter 2021 terms to align with public health requirements. Many students will complete their co-op work terms remotely.

Laurier staff members continue helping students find co-op jobs and assisting employers to recruit students for co-op positions. Below are tips for a successful fall co-op work term, which for many students will take place in a virtual environment.

Connect with Your Co-op Coordinators

If you have questions or concerns, your first step is to connect with your co-op coordinator. This time can be difficult and stressful, especially when there are so many unknowns. Co-op staff members are working remotely and are available to support you with your job search and during your work term.

Look Beyond Navigator for a Co-op Work term

Securing a co-op job can be more difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic. We continue to post jobs daily on the Navigator database. You may also conduct an independent job search by visiting companies' career pages and job sites such as Indeed.ca, the Government of Canada Job Bank, Monster.ca and Workopolis.

If you find a job on your own, send the job description and contact information to your co-op coordinator. The Co-op Office will decide whether the job is suitable for co-op and will let you know whether you can accept the offer.

Network with Your Contacts

If you have already completed a co-op term, try reaching out to contacts to ask about co-op opportunities within their company or network. You may let prospective employers know about funding programs that are available. Check out the university's funding page for information about funding programs and the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit.

Preparing for a Remote Interview

Many work terms have moved to a virtual space and so have interviews. To ace an interview, consider the following tips:

• Find a plain, clean background.
• Dress appropriately, just as you would for an in-person interview.
• Silence any background noise.
• Use microphone-enabled headphones.
• Try filling a Post-It Note with the points you would like to remember, including your skills and achievements, and place it next to your screen.
• Have a notepad and pen handy for any notes or questions you may need to write down.
• Keep your resume and cover letter nearby for reference.
• Try a practice run with a friend to test your connection and audio-visual setup.

Working from Home

Students can gain marketable skills and practical experience working from home during a co-op term. Here are a few tips to work from home successfully:

• Develop a regular routine, just as you would if working on site.
• Dress in at least business casual, so you are always ready to answer surprise video calls.
• Prepare a dedicated workspace; ideally, it will be quiet and neat.
• Set goals for the work term with your supervisor.
• Check-in often with your supervisor and co-workers.
• Talk to your employer about what technology will be provided for your work term.
• Set learning objectives for the work term, and set daily goals.
• Avoid distractions such as TV and social media.
• Don't forget to schedule yourself stretch breaks and lunch breaks.

Get Mental Health Support

Working and learning during a global pandemic can take a toll. Laurier's Student Wellness Centre is here to offer support with appointments by phone and several options for virtual appointments. To book an appointment on the Waterloo campus call 519.884.0710 x3146; on the Brantford campus call 519.756.8228 x5803.

Looking for general co-op application advice? Visit this page of frequently asked questions.