College of Technology

Searching for a Co-op: Tips & Tools

Search Process
Methods & Resources
Search by Major
Organize Your Search
Search Tips & Links

Simple CO-OP Search Process
Detailed CO-OP Search Process

1. Build list of companies to contact. (Where, city/state, What do you want to do?)

2. Send email to company contact using your template. (Attach your resume as a pdf file)

3. Keep track of ALL companies you contact. (See "Organize Your Search" above)

4. Follow-up with companies you do not receive replies from. (1-2 weeks: phone, email, etc.)

Repeat this process until you receive a definitive answer from the employer you are contacting.

Create Your Resources:

1. Build list of companies to contact.

2. Create/update your resume.

3. Write/update your letter to the employer. (This is your Template)

Contact Employers:

4. Choose the next employer on your list to send to.

5. Open your letter template, personalize it to the employer you are sending it to.

6. Copy/paste letter from template into an email message, or print to mail out, then send.

(Attach your resume as a pdf file if using email)

7. Keep track of ALL companies you contact. (See "Organize Your Search" above)

8. REPEAT STEPS 4-7 UNTIL ALL EMPLOYERS ON YOUR LIST ARE CONTACTED.

You should be contacting between 100-300 employers, at least.

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

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:

WorkNet

Click here to go to our WorkNet page for more information.

Networking

Communicating with friends, family, business persons, instructors, advisors or anyone in your field. You may discover an opportunity you never knew existed. (This also includes internet-based social networking sites such as facebook, Linked-In, etc.)

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 Please be aware that when visiting the Wall of Fame, some of the information may be outdated, however, you should be able to find current information on the internet, or consult our office should you need assistance.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. Keep in mind that even if the ad listed is for a position you are not 100% qualified for, the company who listed the position needs help in some capacity, otherwise they would not have posted the ad. Contact that company anyway, informing them you are looking for a position of a different kind, something part-time/temporary (like a CO-OP).

Internet

Some examples (please work hard to discover your own, use these as a starting point. These sites have LIMITED success rates and should be used in combination with other methods):

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. A Chamber of Commerce office is an organization uniting business, manufacturing, professional firms, non-profit organizations and government entities; creating a unique central organization working to improve business and economic development and building a stronger community. Examples: "Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce", "Denver Chamber of Commerce", "Toledo Chamber of Commerce", "Seattle Chamber of Commerce", etc...etc...

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 this 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 advise you how to search, send companies letters, emails or call them on your behalf. (while at the same time, teaching you how to do this as well)

Resume & Cover Letter Resources

Our Resume Samples/Template page on this website

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.

Please click your major below to reveal your specific CO-OP search resources.

ARCHITECTURE / Environmental Design Studies

This page has been specifically prepared to help Architecture/Environmental Design (ARCH) Studies students in their CO-OP search.

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About ARCH
Faculty Recommended Texts
Search Tips
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your search:

http://www.aia.org

http://www.creativehotlist.com

http://www.ajplus.co.uk

http://www.architectusa.com

http://www.usarchitects.com

Below are some websites helpful in learning about architecture AND possibly finding leads for CO-OP positions:

http://www.aia.org/

http://www.aias.org/
Since 1956, the American Institute of Architecture Students has been theofficial voice of students to the educational system and the professionof architecture and design.

http://www.architectstudent.net/

http://www.aecworkforce.com/pro_home.asp

http://www.architecture.com/

http://www.architecture.org/

http://www.e-architect.com/

http://designguide.com/

http://www.classicist.org/

http://www.aia.org/ed_careers/

http://www.sara-national.org/

http://www.archvoices.org/
ArchVoices is an independent, nonprofit organization and think tank onarchitectural education, internship, and licensure. It exists to fostera culture of communication through the collection and dissemination ofinformation and research.

http://www.noma.net/local/Chapters.htm

The Survival Guide to Architectural Internship and Career Development
Grace H. Kim, AIA

Becoming an Architect
Lee Waldrop, AIA

Below are some tips to keep in mind when searching for a CO-OP position:

DISCOVER ARCHITECTURE.
It is diverse and multifaceted, and has many opportunities for specialization -- become familiar with the options.

BE INTERESTED.
In the design of the built environment and public space.

ASK QUESTIONS.
Contact your local AIA chapter; talk with architects; observe buildings and construction sites; visit schools and speak with architecture students.

PREPARE FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION.
Develop a broad interest in the arts and humanities and a solid background in the physical sciences, and math.

LEARN COMMUNICATION SKILLS.
Writing, speaking, freehand drawing.

READ.
Books and magazines on architecture and design.

TAKEN FROM:The American Institute of Architects, Careers in Architecture, AIA Press, www.aia.org Roger K. Lewis, FAIA, A Candid Guide to the Profession, MIT Press, 1985

Architect
Architectural Drafter
Estimator
Project Manager
Architecture and Facilities Planning Director
Director of Construction Services
Project Administrator
Design Technician
County Engineer
Architectural Animator/Digital Specialist
University Construction Administrator

Aviation Studies

This page has been specifically prepared to help Aviation Studies (AERT) students in their CO-OP search.

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About AERT
Potential CO-OP Company Listings
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your seavia:

http://www.aviationemployment.com/

http://www.jsfirm.com/

http://www.avianation.com/

http://www.aviationjobsonline.com/

http://www.nationjob.com/aviation/

http://www.aeps.com/

http://www.aviationjobsearch.com/

http://www.avjobs.com/

http://www.airlineandairportlinks.com/

http://www.avhome.com/

Below are some websites that may be helpful in educating you further about the aviation industry

http://www.faa.gov/

http://www.airliners.net/http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/

http://www.aopa.org/

http://www.ntsb.gov/

http://www.natca.org/

http://avn.faa.gov/

http://www.aviationtoday.com/

http://www.icao.int/

http://gps.faa.gov/

POTENTIAL CO-OP COMPANY LISTINGS

Boeing

> http://www.boeing.com/employment/college/

> https://jobs.boeing.com/index.jsp

Lockheed-Martin

> http://lockheedmartinjobs.com/h1.asp

> http://lockheedmartinjobs.com/h2.asp

Cessna

> http://cessnajobs.com/studentunion.chtml

> http://textron.recruitmax.com/main/careerportal/candidate_update.cfm

Raytheon

> http://www.rayjobs.com/index.cfm?NavID=103

Lear

> http://www.lear.com/jsp/common.jsp?page=al_cl_universityrelations

Mooney

> http://www.mooney.com/

The New Piper Aircraft Co.

> http://www.newpiper.com/

Rolls-Royce

> http://www.rolls-royce.com/northamerica/

Bell Helicopters

> http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/employment.cfm

Sikorsky

> http://www.sikorsky.com/details/0,3036,CLI1_DIV69_ETI845,00.html

BAE Systems

> http://www.baesystems.com/Careers/CareersinYourCountry/US/CollegeCareerOpportunities/index.htm

Aviation Manager
Flight Dispatcher
Flight Controller
Flight Instructor
Commercial Pilot
Airport Manager
Fixed Base Operator
Construction Project Coordinator
Flight Management Supervisor
Navigation Systems Operator
Travel Consultant

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT Technology

This page has been specifically prepared to help Construction Management And Technology (CONS) students in their CO-OP search

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About CONS
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your search:

http://www.tradejobsonline.com/

http://www.constructionexecutive.com/

http://www.buildingjobs.ie/

http://www.constructionjobs.com/

http://www.careersinconstruction.com/

http://www.1-constructionjobs.com/

http://www.craftjobs.com/

http://www.constructionwork.com/

http://www.ceacisp.org/

Below are some websites that may be helpful in learning about the construction industry:

http://www.constructionweblinks.com/

http://www.pcea.org/

http://www.acce-hq.org/

http://www.abc.org/

http://contractors-license.org/

http://www.agc.org/

http://www.asaonline.com/

http://www.buildershardware.com/

http://www.coaa.org/

http://www.nahb.org/

http://cmaanet.org/

Estimator
Expeditor/Purchasing Agent
Field Engineer
Inspector
Marketing Manager
Project Manager
Safety Director
Scheduler
Superintendent
Site Manager
Construction/Project Engineer
Constructor

EMST & ECT

This page has been specifically prepared to help Electro-Mechanical Systems Technology (EMST) + Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT) students in their CO-OP search.

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About EMST & ECT
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your search:

http://www.computerwork.com/

http://www.pcpersonnel.com/

http://www.network-careers.com/

http://www.cpcus.com/

http://www.pii.com/

http://www.everythingpcb.com/

http://www.eia.org/

Below are some websites helpful in learning about the electronics & computer industry

http://www.usenix.org/

http://www.cpsr.net/

http://www.aitp.org/

http://www.awc-hq.org/

http://www.icca.org/

http://www.ncc.co.uk/

http://www.asp-shareware.org/

http://www.npanet.org/

http://www.eia.org/

http://www.cedia.net/

http://www.nemi.org/

Electrical Engineer
Network Engineer
Project Manager
EMS/SCADA Analyst
Research Associate
Marketing Specialist
Engineering Technician
Manufacturing Superintendent
Senior Sales Engineer
Automation Analyst
Electronic Design Engineer
Customer Service Manager

Engineering Technology

This page has been specifically prepared to help Engineering Technology (ENGT) students in their CO-OP search.

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About ENGT
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your current CO-OP and future job search:

http://engineerjobs.com/Mechanical_Engineer_jobs.html

http://www.dice.com/engineering/

http://www.proecentral.com/portal/jobs/default.asp

http://www.asme.org/students/internships.html

http://www.productiontechnologynews.com/scripts/default.asp??CommonCount=0

http://jobsconnection.sme.org/home/index.cfm?site_id=123

http://www.mechanicalengineer.com/

http://www.unitedspacealliance.com/employment/coop.asp

Below are some websites helpful in learning about your industry:

U.S. Department of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos112.htm

http://www.memagazine.org/

http://www.asme.org/mechanicaladvantage/

http://scitation.aip.org/ASMEJournals/MechanicalDesign/

http://www.designnews.com/

http://www.machinedesign.com/

American Society of Civil Engineers

http://www.asce.org/asce.cfm

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

http://www.asme.org/

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

http://www.ieee.org/portal/site

Society of Manufacturing Engineers

http://www.sme.org/

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

http://www.aiche.org/

American Society of Engineering Education

http://www.asee.org/

http://www.asme.org/

http://www.mfgtech.org/

http://www.sme.org/

http://www.mech-engineering-links.com/

http://www.icrank.com/

http://www.mechengineer.com/

Product Designer
Mechanical Design Engineer
Consulting Engineer
Rubber Process Engineer
Sales Engineering Manager
Product Design Detailer
Project Manager
Quality Control Engineer
Tool Design Manager
Application Engineer
Production Scheduler
Supply Quality Engineer

Visual Communications Technology

This page has been specifically prepared to help Visual Communications Technology (VCT) students in their CO-OP search.

We are continuously adding new sites. If you have suggestions, please let us know!

Helpful Websites
Learn More About VCT
Possible Career Options

Below are some websites that may be helpful in your current CO-OP and future job search:

http://www.creativehotlist.com/

http://www.coroflot.com/

http://www.graphic-design-jobs.biz/

http://www.bluegecko.net/

http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/jobs.html

http://www.circleofphotographers.com/

http://www.printjobs.com/

http://www.webdesigndir.net/

http://www.gamejobs.com/

Production houses: http://onlinemediaguide.net/production/prodhouse/production.htm

http://www.web-designers-directory.org/

Below are some websites helpful in learning about the visual communication industry:

http://www.aiga.org/

http://www.icograda.org/

http://www.allgraphicdesign.com/

http://www.gag.org/

https://www.iaphc.org/

http://www.colormarketing.org/

http://www.adcglobal.org/

http://www.napl.org/

http://www.photo.net/

http://www.creativedir.com (Chicago)

Video

Photography

Interactive Media

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!

Date	Company	Contact	Phone	Email	Result	Follow-Up

100% of the success of your CO-OP search depends on the effort YOU put into your search. If you do not invest the time, you will not secure a position. Our office has MANY tips and strategies to offer, please use them ALL.
When communicating with employers about a potential position, do not restrict yourself to using the terms “CO-OP” and/or “internship” in your query. You can find a "normal" job for the semester that meets the requirements and is related to your major to use for CO-OP credit, but be sure to notify the employer of the CO-OP course requirements prior to starting work and completing the required CO-OP application through our office.
Do not give up. Do not make excuses. Do not stop searching because it gets hard. Those that keep motivated ALWAYS find a CO-OP.
Do not be afraid to ask questions. This is how you learn, this is how you grow. Have confidence in yourself.
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.
Lindsey Pollak, self-proclaimed next generation career expert, has a plethora of information available on her website that will help you prepare for your CO-OP search.
Intern in Michigan instantly connects Michigan students and employers based on specific job-requirements and the individual interests and skills of the candidates.
Ohio CO-OPS

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