Potential Students FAQ
What is Co-operative Education?
What are the typical hours of work required to count as Co-op?
Are Co-op students placed into jobs or do they have to compete for jobs?
Where are jobs located?
When do students go on work terms?
I do not have much or any work experience what are my chances of getting a
Co-op job?
How do I apply to the Co-op Program at Kwantlen?
When are the information sessions held and how do I apply?
When should I register for COOP 1101?
When and where is COOP 1101 offered?
What are the Co-op intake interviews? How do I prepare myself for them?
What are the prerequisites to becoming a Co-op student?
Can I still be in the Co-op program if I am only planning to do my diploma?
What if I miss the deadline to apply to Co-op?
What if I do not pass the Co-op 1101 class?
Can I quit a Co-op Work Term?
What is Co-operative Education?
·
Gain related work experience in your field of study that helps you
acquire key specialty skills and clarify your career and educational goals and
interests before you graduate.
·
Earn money during a work semester to defray your tuition costs.
·
Many graduates find full-time employment with their co-op employers.
·
As a Co-op graduate starting salaries tend to be higher than those
for graduates from traditional programs without co-op.
·
Personal growth and development are greatly enhanced through the
experience and working closely with Co-op Instructors from beginning to end.
What are the admission requirements for Co-op?
The admission requirements for
co-op that you must successfully complete before being accepted are: COOP 1101
and a minimum GPA for most programs. Please see calendar for specific program
requirements.
Is there a minimum GPA requirement to
get into Co-op?
Each Co-op program has different requirements. For details on
each program, visit
this page.
Yes,
you need to be enrolled as a full time student to be in the Co-op Program.
You must work a minimum of 360 hours to qualify for a 4 month
work term requirement. Most co-op work terms are on average 30-40 hours
per week.
Yes,
it is possible to count a part-time job towards Co-op. You would need to
discuss your position with the Coop instructor of your program to determine if
the position will get approved. Co-op instructors will have to ensure it
is a quality experience, and that you fulfill the hours required over 2
semesters.
Are Co-op students placed into jobs or do
they have to compete for jobs?
Co-op students are not matched
with employer. Students are educated on the job search process including
resume, cover letter, and interview skills through a course. Students
must apply to jobs and be shortlisted by the employer for an interview. The
Co-op job search process for a co-op student simulates job hunting in the real
world. Co-op provides a structured and supportive environment and
on-going coaching on how to be successful, so students work closely with their
Co-op instructor.
We
work extremely hard to develop jobs for students to apply for. We coach our
Co-op students in resume and cover letter writing and interview skills to
prepare them for the job search and interview process. Most students who apply
for numerous jobs and work with the instructor are hired; however, we can’t
guarantee a placement. It is up to students to apply to jobs throughout the
semester and create strong job search applications
Depending
on your program, there are many job opportunities available.
Marketing & Business- Marketing Assistant, Special Events Coordinator, Event
Representative, Public Relations/Promotions Assistant, etc
Human Resources- Human Resources Assistant, Human Development, Employee Development
& Training Coordinator, etc
Accounting-Accounting Assistant, Financial Process Analyst, Junior Accounting
Clerk, etc
Information Technology- Technical Analyst, Junior Java Developer, IT Support
Systems, etc
Criminology- Student Border Services Officer, Employment Standards Officer,
Citizen & Immigration Services Assistant, etc
Jobs are located in the lower
mainland and across Canada. If students are interested in opportunities
outside of BC, please speak to your Co-op instructor who’d be happy to assist
you in international positions.
When do students go on work terms?
Once
you gain admission into a Kwantlen program with a Co-op option, we recommend
you attend an information session to learn more about Co-op.
Co-op is set-up for students to
gain work experience – employers realize that you are focusing on your
academics and understand that the jobs they post are aimed at students in your
situation. We recommend that students obtain volunteer experience.
How do I apply to the Co-op Program at
Kwantlen?
It
is highly recommended that all students first attend an information session
held on one of the campuses. Click here to register for an upcoming session
(link to info session reg page). To express your interest in
participating in Co-operative Education, visit this link.
Click
here for
information on dates and to register.
You should register for COOP 1101 at least two semesters before you
want to secure a work term. Recommended entrance requirements for COOP
1101 are found here (link to first page of “Steps” document). Please note
that Co-op is not intended to be added at the end of your program. Should
you have more than 100 credits toward your degree already completed, please
contact us at co-op@kwantlen.ca for
further guidance.
For Marketing, CISY and EPT diploma students, you must take COOP
1101 in your first year of studies. For degree programs, you should consider
doing the Coop 1101 course when you begin the degree.
COOP
1101 is offered at both Richmond and Surrey campuses and sometimes at the
Langley campus. Classes are offered in all three semesters. COOP 1101 is
typically one 80 minute class a week for 8-10 weeks.Visit Kwantlen’s timetable
to see when classes are offered for an upcoming semester. http://www.kwantlen.ca/registration/timetables.html
What are the Co-op intake interviews?
How do I prepare myself for them?
Co-op
intake interviews are completed after COOP 1101. They are in various formats
(individual or group) which are dependent on the program. During the
interview, you will meet with your Co-op Instructor to determine your
acceptance to seek a co-op workterm the following semester. Students must bring
with them: marked and edited resume and cover letter), and an unofficial copy
of transcripts. During the intake interview, the Co-op instructor will review
the necessary forms for co-op and there will be a time for questions. The
purpose of the intake interview is to assess if you will be accepted to seeking
a co-op workterm, and to clarify our expectations of Co-op students.
Successful
completion of COOP 1101 with approval from the Instructor
Intake
Interview with your Program’s Co-op Instructor.
Minimum
GPA standing All
programs have course requirements please click
here for
more information
Can I still be in the Co-op program if I am
only planning to do my diploma?
Yes but it depends on your program. Students in the Business
Diploma programs should have the intent on entering the third year of a BBA
degree.
What if I miss the deadline to apply to Co-op?
You can apply again the next
semester. Visit the following link to find out more information
What if I do not pass the Co-op 1101 class?
You would not be eligible to look
for jobs and would have to re-take the course.
Yes, you are expected to be a
proficient, professional employee and as with any job, you can be fired from
it.
If circumstances in a work term
arise that are a cause for concern, please contact your Co-op Instructor
immediately. They will discuss your options with you. It is
expected that students complete the full work term as is the case with any
other course. Refunds for withdrawing from a Co-op work term are subject
to university guidelines. Future access to Co-op jobs will be at the
discretion of the Co-op Instructor.
