Searching for a co-op can be one of your most rewarding experiences during your time here at BGSU. Listed below are different strategies and tools for you to use in your co-op search. Please keep in mind that you can contact our office at any time should you need additional help.

SEARCH TIPS

• Start Searching EARLY.  Plan at least 2 semesters ahead.
• Sending a resume is the FIRST step. You should follow-up with a phone call asking the employer if they have received your resume, asking them if they have any questions. This can help to develop a conversation that could lead to an interview invitation.
• Follow-up with companies ASAP. The longer you wait to answer the call of an employer, the greater you increase the chances of your NOT securing a co-op with that company.
• Keep Co-op Office informed of your search status so we can assist you if you should need it.
• Keep your options open.
• Try not to get trapped in a lengthy lease at an apartment that will limit your ability to travel to your favorite co-op locations.
• Stay in touch with employers who did not have a position for you during a previous semester. This can lead to future co-ops or even full-time positions after graduation.

SEARCH FOR A CO-OP BY MAJOR

• Architecture/Environmental Design Studies
• Aviation Studies
• Construction Management And Technology
• Electro-Mechanical Systems Technology -AND- Electronics & Computer Technology
• Engineering Technology
• Visual Communications Technology

SEARCH METHODS & RESOURCES

The more search methods you use, the greater you increase your opportunities in finding a co-op position...

USE MULTIPLE METHODS OF SEARCHING:

Do not depend on ONE method to search for a co-op, use many different methods. You can use any of the methods listed below as well as other methods you develop on your own:

• PlacePro
  Click here to go to our PlacePro page for more information.
• Networking
  Talking with friends, family, business persons, instructors, advisors or anyone in your field.
  
• Wall of Fame
  Collection of business cards posted in the hallways of the Co-op office on-campus. Please be aware that when visiting the Wall of Fame, some of the information may be outdated, however, you should be able to find current information on the internet, or consult our office should you need assistance.
  
• Help Wanted ads
  Keep watch of postings in newspapers located where you are searching for a co-op.
  
• Internet
  Some examples (please work hard to discover your own, use these as a starting point):
  • Dice.com
  • Hotjobs.com
  • Monster.com
  • Jobs.com
  • Careerbuilder.com
  • Net-Temps.com
  • Technology Internships (Co-ops)
• Yellow Pages
  Some examples (please work hard to discover your own, use these as a starting point):

• Chamber of Commerce
  Contact your local Chamber of Commerce office for company listings in that area.
  
  Use this Chamber of Commerce Directory to help.
  

• “Cold-call” Companies
  “Cold-calling” a company is when you call a company without having a contact person’s name to use during the time of the call. Use the following approach as a guide when calling in this manner. (Please use this as a GUIDE. You should personalize this to fit your own style.)

  1. May I speak with whomever is responsible for hiring new employees?
  
  2. Are you hiring for [Insert season Spring, Summer or Fall here] positions?
  > Save details about co-op and your status as a BGSU student until later in the conversation to avoid overwhelming the employer with too much information at one time.
  
  3. Ask for more details such as…Which positions? How do I apply? What are the job duties?
  > Here you are building a rapport with the employer, letting them get to know you and showing that you are interested in the company.
  
  4. At this point in the conversation you will have learned if a position exists and if it could be used to fulfill your co-op requirement.
  > It is at this time that you begin to speak with this employer about your status as a student majoring in ___________ at BGSU and that you would like to use this work experience to fulfill your BGSU Co-op requirement for graduation.
  
  

• Co-op Office follow-up
  We can send companies letters, emails or call them on your behalf. Please contact us today!
  
  
• Resume & Cover Letter Resources
  • Our Resume Samples/Template page on this website
  • Resumes/Covers
  • Monster Resume/Cover
  • Rockport Resume/Cover
  • Riley Resume/Cover
    
    
• Professional Associations/Organizations
  • Advanced Technological Education
    • ATE Program Page
  • Aviation Students
    • Alpha Eta Rho
  • Architectural/Environmental Design Studies
    • The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
    • BGSU AIAS
  • Construction Management
    • Student Construction Management Association (SCMA)
    • Construction Management Advancement Program (CMAP)
  • Electronics & Computer Technology
    • The Instrumentation, Systems & Automation Society (ISA)
  • Manufacturing Technology
    • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • Mechanical Design Technology
    • Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME)
  • Visual Communication Technology
    • Visual Communication Technology Organization (VCTO)
      

These are all successful methods for locating a Co-op position and are very powerful when time and effort are applied. Keep yourself motivated and keep in mind that our office is always here to help so please contact us should you have any questions or need more ideas.

ORGANIZE YOUR SEARCH
Below is an table that could be used to keep track of who you have contacted during your co-op search. Use this to organize company information resulting in a more productive co-op search.

CLICK THIS LINK for an Excel table already formatted and ready for your use!