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Co-op Education Application

1. Attend the Co-op workshops

Attendance at both workshops is a pre-requisite for being admitted to the Co-op program. This pre-requisite may only be waived by Co-op Coordinator.

New Westminster Campus

Workshop #1: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Skills
May 18th, 2011 Wednesday 4:00pm-6:00pm #4360

Workshop #2: Interview Skills
May 25th, 2011 Wednesday 4:00pm-6:00pm #4360

Following the workshops, if you would like more help with your resume and cover letter, or to practice your interview skills, make an appointment with one of the placement officers. They will only work with you after you have attended both workshops.

Students should be prepared for this pre-arranged meeting. Bring a copy of your "best attempt" resume and cover letter, as well as a copy of the posting for the job you are applying for.

Team Co-op Contacts

Dana Wakabayashi, Coordinator
604-527-5608
Room 2842
d_wakabayashi@douglascollege.ca

Robyn Gill, Program Assistant
604-527-5100
Room 2844 (Main Co-op Office) 
co-op@douglascollege.ca

Lianne Johnston, Placement Officer
604-527-5769
Room 2846
johnstonli@douglascollege.ca

2. Do the best you can with your resume and include it in your online application

You will probably want to change your resume after you attend the resume workshop, but for now we need something for your file.

Email your resume to: co-op@douglas.bc.ca

3. Fill out application form

New Co-op students please fill out the Co-operative Education Application Form.

* If you are a Co-op student and wishing to reapply please fill out the Returning Students Form.

4. Watch the Co-op web site for postings

Watch the Co-op web site for postings you feel you would like to apply to, and for which you are at least 60-70% qualified. Returning Co-op students may start applying as soon as their application is approved. New Co-op students must attend the mandatory Co-op workshops before they may start applying.

Jobs are posted on-line as soon as they are received, at www.douglascollege.ca/services/co-op. This section is password protected; a username and password will be assigned to you once your application is approved.

Jobs are also posted on Co-op bulletin boards on all two campuses:

New Westminster Campus 2nd floor outside room 2844

New Westminster Campus 4th floor outside room 4300, Commerce and Business field base

New Westminster Campus 4th floor near Student Services field base room 4600

New Westminster Campus 3rd floor south -Sciences

David Lam Campus 1st floor across from room A1070

To apply for a position from the bulletin board, make a note of the Co-op job number and contact one of the
Co-op staff members. They will provide you with a copy of the job posting with the employer information on it (only "approved" Co-op students will receive the postings). Postings on the web site contain all the information you need to apply.

To apply for a position, follow the instructions on the job posting and either email or submit in person at the
Co-op office.

Please note the following:

  • You must submit one cover letter and one resume for each job you apply for, unless the posting indicates otherwise.
  • Cover letters must include the employer's job number IF one is indicated on the posting.
  • Ensure that your cover letter and resume are error free, otherwise it may not be submitted
  • Sign your cover letter
  • Check the web site, bulletin board, or mydouglas often to find out about new jobs. Many jobs are posted with only a week (or less) of lead time

5. Check the website daily

Check the web site daily for information on new co-op job opportunities. (Please also make sure that we have current email addresses and phone numbers on file for you!)

6. Persistence pays!

Persistence pays! Successful Co-op students give the job application process as much attention as they would a three-credit course. Be sure to keep checking the Co-op web site, even as midterms and assignments consume more of your spare time. Many students find valuable and rewarding placements only after applying for many jobs during the semester. Students who only start applying at the last minute are rarely successful.

Don't give up! If you find that you're applying for many jobs but not getting interviews, make an appointment to see a Placement Officer to review your resume and cover letter. Often they are able to make helpful suggestions that will help you present your skills in the most positive way.

If you have special skills or interests that are not reflected in the posted positions, you may want to conduct your own job search. See a Placement Officer for information and advice before doing this.

Most of all, don't give up!