Co-op Process and Guidelines

The Co-op Orientationin Canvas provides information about requirements, resources search strategies, and what to expect while registered for a co-op. Successfully complete modules 1-4 to gain access to module-5, a list of employers who have hired BGSU co-op students in the past.

Complete the Co-op Orientation in Canvas during the first few weeks of your first semester as a CTAAE student. You must complete this requirement once and should review as often as needed.

You should receive an invitation to join the Co-op Orientation in Canvas when you enter the College of Tech. Accept the invitation to gain access. Email coop@bgsu.edu if you do not see Co-op Orientation listed in Canvas and we will re-invite you.

To Complete the Co-op Orientation in Canvas

1. Accept the email invitation, sent to your BGSU email account.
2. Log-in to your MyBGSU account and access Canvas.
3. Click Courses, select Co-op Orientation, Complete the modules and review the content.
   

Troubleshooting

Contact ITS for issues with using/accessing Canvas.

If you still have questions after reviewing the Co-op Orientation contact coop@bgsu.edu or call 419-372-7581.

Meet with your Academic Advisor early to design an academic plan that integrates coursework with co-op. Meet with them at least once each semester to update your plan as needed. Keep an open mind and be prepared to pivot and adjust as needed.   

Note: You can complete your co-op in any semester, fall, spring or summer. Co-ops can be full-time for one semester or part-time for two consecutive semesters.

Design your career goals by imagining your future and researching your industry. 

Keep an open mindset; discovering your academic and career goals is a life long process. Think about your life views and work views. Are they different or the same? Take advantage of opportunities that come your way and don't be afraid to adjust as things change.

• What do you aspire to be? 
• What are your values?
• What are your struggles?
• What are your goals?
• When can you or when do you want to complete your co-op?
• Where do you want to complete your co-op?  What company? What location?
• What do you need to do to attain a co-op? Action items; create a resume, network, research, apply, follow up.

Reverse engineer and create a time line to reach your goals.

Focus is avaialble on your MyBGSU home page and is an online assessment that can help you assess your interests, skills and values. Focus lets you:  

• Explore occupations, career paths, degree programs, and majors
• Answer the question, "What can I do with a major in...?"
• Create action plans aligning with your career and educational goals

One key to getting a co-op is a strong professional resume. Your resume is a living document that will evolve throughout your college and professional career. Update your resume as you gain new skills in and out of the classroom.

The Co-op Prep Guide provides an example resume and a list of the minimum requirements for an approved Handshake resume. The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections approves resumes for Handshake and offers resume review drop in hours and scheduled appointments. Use VMock for help with writing your resume.

Research and review co-ops, internships and other entry level positions in your industry to get familiar with the skills employers are looking for and consult with faculty mentors for additional advice. The key is to create a professional resume that 'matches' the needs of the employer.

As a student who is learning and early in their career use resume action words such as familiar with, understanding of, knowledge of, etc.  

Employers spend time reviewing potential candidates via Handshake and LinkedIn prior to the career fair. Update your resume, and Handshake and LinkedIn profiles before each career fair.  Review the list of employers who registered for the Career Fair via Handshake.

Making connections is critical for your co-op success. Many great opportunities are found through networking. Take advantage of opportunities to network by:

• Attending Career Fairs and employer events.
• Following and connect with employers, professionals, alumni, and professional organizations on Handshake and LinkedIn.
  
• Following companies on social media.
• Letting family, friends, neighbors etc. know you are planning for your co-op/internship and interested in connecting with industry professionals.
• Joining student and professional organizations and attend their events and follow on social media.
• Requesting informational interviews and job shadows with professionals in your industry.

Review the Co-op Orientation in Canvas and the How to Find a Co-op page for co-op success resources. Use all of your  resources, including The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections for help with searching and securing a co-op.

The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections hosts a variety of events and offers many services to help students secure co-ops, internships, and jobs. The Kuhlin Hub for Career Design and Connections uses Handshake to post career events and job fairs. Handshake is a professional networking platform that students can use to develop their professional profile and find jobs.  Sign up for Handshake in your student center, then build your profile and post your resume.

LinkedIn is an online professional networking platform that anyone can use to develop their professional profile and find jobs. 

Remember, your co-op does not have to be called a co-op to count as a co-op.  As long as it meets the co-op requirements it will count.

The Co-op Registration Application must be completed for the semester in which you are working at a co-op. Once approved the Office of Cooperative Education will register you for the co-op course. You are enrolled in a co-op coure in unison with your co-op experience.  *Retroactive co-op credit  cannot be granted. Check your course schedule via MyBGSU account to be sure the co-op course (TECH 2890, 3890, or 4890) is listed on your schedule.

*If the course does not appear then you are not registered.  CONTACT coop@bgsu.edu.  

Once your co-op has been approved, you will be registered for the co-op course. Check your schedule to confirm that you are registered. The co-op office and your assigned faculty representative will communicate with you via email about your co-op approval, registration, due dates, assigned faculty representatives, required revisions, site review/scheduling, etc. Check your BGSU email regularly while you are at your co-op.

Your co-op is a credit bearing course. As part of your co-op course you are required to complete the required assignments by the posted deadline date. You will have access to a Canvas course shell (TECH 2890, 3890, or 4890) where you will find the Co-op Report Template.

Your co-op is graded S/U based on the assignments submitted at the time of grading. If the co-op requirements are not met successfully you will receive a failing grade of 'U'.

To pass the co-op course you must

1. Complete and submit the co-op report, earning one point for each question. This may require making revisions and resubmitting until you have earned one point for each and every question.
   
2. Submit a photo of yourself at your co-op, earning one point for your co-op photo.  
3. Participate in the co-op site review.
   
4. Work the required number of weeks and hours at your co-op.

To access your course assignments

1. Log on to your MyBGSU account.
2. Click on the Canvas Icon. Under "Courses", click on the co-op course which you are completing that semester (TECH 2890, TECH3890 or TECH4890).
3. Click on Assignments. Click on Co-op Report.
4. Open and complete the Co-op Report Template and submit per the posted co-op report due date.
5. Click on Assignments Click on Co-op Photo and upload a photo of yourself at your co-op.
   
6. Your co-op report AND co-op photo due dates are listed in the co-op course. No exceptions or extensions will be given for late reports.
   
7. You must earn one point for each question in the co-op report and one point for your co-op photo.
8. It is your responsibility to check the co-op course and BGSU email while enrolled in the co-op course and to communicate with your assigned co-op faculty representative.
9. You must complete ALL requirements to pass your co-op course.
10. If you do not successfully complete your report and photo, including any required revisions you will receive a grade of "U" (Unsatisfactory) for the course, meaning that you have failed the course and will not receive credit for your co-op.

*** NOTE ***

TO WRITE YOUR REPORT, YOU MUST USE THE REPORT TEMPLATE ASSOCIATED WITH THE APPROPRIATE TECH-CO-OP FOR WHICH YOU ARE REGISTERED.

At the end of your co-op write a thank you note to your co-op employer. This is a simple gesture that can leave a lasting and positive impression.

Consider asking iyour supervisor or another mentor from your co-op experience if you can list them as a refererence in the future.