Interactive Arts & Technology Co-op
Working Students
Congrats, you got a co-op job! Your hard work, persistence and tailored cover letters & resumes paid off. Now what? When your co-op position has been confirmed by your Coordinator, three things will happen:
Before Your Work Term
Step 1: Employment Confirmation
After you accept a co-op job offer, you’ll receive an e-mail from your co-op program with instructions on your next steps, which includes your co-op practicum course registration, UPass exemption (if applicable) and more.
Step 2: Placements Outside BC and International
Check with your Medical Services Plan (MSP) about coverage outside of BC - especially for work terms over 4 months.
Students working internationally outside of Canada MUST take the Bridging International Learning Course (BIL) that is managed by the International Co-op office (note: you will need to have your visa, work permit, medical coverage, accommodation, etc. information ready)
During Your Work Term
After registering for your 3-credit IAT co-op practicum course, you will have access to the Working Canvas Course where there are a variety of assignments to complete throughout the term, such as:
- Creation of at least 3 Learning Objectives
- Participation in a 1 hour site visit meeting with your co-op coordinator
- Submission of a work term report
- Completion of your own self evaluation
Being an "Ambassador for ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV"
You’re eager to start working in your professional co-op job. As an ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV co-op student, you will be seen by your employer and colleagues as an “ambassador for ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV.” What does that mean?
Your behaviour and attitude on the job may affect the reputation of ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV and SIAT Co-op. It may impact opportunities for future co-op students. Be professional! Remember the people you work for are your future references. Below are tips from seasoned Co-op students and employers on professional behaviour:
- Treat everyone at the office, at every level, with courtesy and respect, including janitors and receptionists.
- Be on time, even 5 minutes early. It doesn’t matter that you missed your bus. Catch the earlier bus so that it’s not a problem. Being on time isn’t noticed. But being late is.
- Dress appropriately for the office or lab setting. If unsure, talk to your new boss.
- Take a notepad and take notes during any meeting with your boss and colleagues. It shows active listening and respect.
- Be on task. Look for answers and ask questions if you’re unsure and don’t know where to look. Your boss is not a mind reader.
- Slow down. Resist the urge to race through your work and move on to the next task. Your boss will appreciate error-free work more than fast sloppy work that has to be re-done.
- Accept a lunch invitation if it feels right. It’s a great way to make new connections.
- Report to your formal supervisor if you expect to be late or an unexpected emergency comes up.
- No social media at work! This is a big no-no. We hear a lot about this from employers during site visits. They don’t like it. At all. Unless of course, it’s part of your new SIAT Co-op job.
- Co-op is part of your education and career. There is formalized feedback to your ¶ˇĎăÔ°AV Co-op Coordinator during your work term that contributes to your learning and professional development. Make this count; you’ll get more out of your Co-op experience as a result. More on that in the following sections.
Feeling lost or unsure of expectations in your new workplace? Call us! Your Co-op Coordinator is there to support you during your work term. Talk to us if you have questions, concerns, uncertainties.