COOP PREPARATION CHECKLIST

During your freshman year, and during the quarter before you begin a cooperative education assignment, you will be developing the skills necessary to successfully acquire a co-op job.

Each quarter before the quarter you intend to start a co-op job, you will be responsible for completing the steps articulated below:

• Attend a mandatory co-op meeting. The date and time posted in the Student Lounge (BNS password required)
• Read the Co-op Student Handbook.
• Create and revise your resume (see Resume Guide for samples and guidance).
• Identify and research jobs by accessing the Co-op Opportunities On-Line database. Note that this site is password protected. You will need your student ID number and PIN to access this site.
• After gaining access to the on-line program, you will be able to scan jobs made available specifically for BNS students by entering your co-op coordinator's name. Many BNS students will be interested in jobs that are managed by other coordinators. Those coordinators include Mr. James Black (Psychology) and Ms. Veronica Porter (Biology). Important note: You must obtain a referral slip from Ms. Israel if you are interested in speaking with any other coordinator about a job they have posted.
• Meet with Ms. Israel to discuss your interests, explore job options, and review your resume.
• Complete and send the required forms to Ms. Israel by the deadline posted for the quarter. These forms include: Student Worksheet, Job Preference List, and your Resume.

  You may send the Student Worksheet and Job Preference List online or in hard copy. For resumes, send a VIRUS FREE Microsoft Word 1997 or higher email attachment or drop off a hard copy for Ms. Israel in Room 328 Stearns. Keep a hard or electronic copy of all of these documents for your records!

• Put a professional message on your answering machine.
• Wait to be contacted by an employer or Michelle Israel. These calls will begin no earlier than two weeks after the deadline data. If you include your email in addition to your home phone number on your resume, be sure to check your email daily during the job search process. If you don't want employers contacting you via email, keep the email address off of your resume.
• Prepare for job interviews (see NU's Career Services Interview Guide).
• Go on interviews. Be sure to get a business card from each contact.
• Write a thank-you letter after each interview. This can make a difference between getting and not getting a job offer!
• Wait to hear from employers (generally within a week or two of your interview).
• Accept a job after THOUGHTFUL consideration. Once you accept a job, you may not change your mind.
• Submit a Co-op Agreement Form to Michelle Israel.
• Notify other employers with whom you interviewed of your decision.
• Register for co-op. You can do this as you would for any other class, over the telephone.
• If you are a non-US resident (J-1 or F-1 VISA), see Michelle Israel to complete appropriate paperwork which will allow you to work legally in this country.

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