The work term requires the same level of commitment as the academic term. Academic Staff Members in Co-operative Education are available to assist students as they prepare for their work term placements. The following steps are encouraged to assist students in preparation for their work term:

Getting Ready: Career Resources
Contacting the employer
Student insurance
Clearance to work
Daily diary
Working remotely
Working internationally
International students
Students with disabilities

 

Contacting the employer

Employer contact information will be provided by the academic program co-op office. Students are encouraged to confirm acceptance of the position and make final arrangements for reporting for the work term. Items to be confirmed should include the start time and date, dress code, where to go and whom to contact upon arrival at the job site, etc.

Student insurance 

Students are encouraged to obtain medical insurance before going on a work term that will offer protection in the event of an illness or accident (this applies to both students working in and outside of Canada).

Clearance to work 

Students should be aware of any added clearance required by their employer. Some employers may require a student to get security clearance prior to starting the work term placement.

Daily diary 

Students are encouraged to keep a daily diary during the work term as a record of possible items for discussion with the employer and/or co-operative education co-ordinator. These diaries are fundamental to good time management and legal or personal recourse and can assist in the writing of the work tem report. Suggested items to include are: meetings attended (with a short description of what was discussed); observations made during the day on matters connected with the job, staff or clients; notes on items to follow up on at a later date; job-related phone calls; problems encountered and how they were resolved; any other items that may prove useful at a later date.

Working Remotely

If you are a student who will be working remotely and would like to learn more about what you need to be productive, effective and happy, join us for our Tips for Remote Working webinar. Register for the next offering on the Student Life events calendar. 

CEWIL has also published a document to get you started: Tips for Working at Home

Working internationally

Students accepting jobs outside Canada should meet with a co-operative education co-ordinator as soon as possible to be directed to the appropriate group to determine the requirements for work visas/permits and other supporting documents. Students should also be aware of any regulations of their work permits or visas and may only stay in the host country as long as indicated on their permits.

International students

International students require a Co-op Work Permit to work in Canada. This permit may take from several weeks to over three months to acquire. International students should apply for this permit as soon as they have been accepted into their academic program.

Specific details related to preparing for the work term may vary by academic program. Please consult the co-op program’s student handbook for specific information related to work term preparation for each program.

Students with disabilities

It is important to be proactive and seek career support throughout your entire journey including, work-terms and internships. This support may include workplace accommodations, navigating your job search, finding accessible employers, and having a conversation with an employer about what you require to be successful in the workplace.

You can connect with Claire LeDrew directly via email (claire.ledrew@mun.ca) or phone (709- 864-7074) if you have any questions about the above or would like to have a conversation.