Quick links:
Your first work term as a co-op student
Resources to help you prepare for work
Career Development eManual
No matter how many co-op jobs you've had, preparing for your work term is always important.
Start the term off right.
Be prepared, organized, and eager to start the term.
First impressions are critical, so research your employer to learn background information about the company.
There are many resources provided through this section. Use them to help you prepare, be a successful employee, and make your employer want to hire from Waterloo again.
Your first term as a co-op student
You'll find the school term before your first work term very busy. Besides getting used to new academic and social environments, you’ll:
take your PD 1 course,
attend Career Action workshops,
and prepare for your first work term.
Co-operative Education staff must be able to contact you during both your on-campus academic terms and your work terms. Be sure that we have your correct e-mail address on file.
The default is your Waterloo-assigned email address.
If you do not use the Waterloo-assigned e-mail address, please go to WatIAM and provide the correct one.
Be sure to also keep your mailing address up to date in QUEST.
Resources to help you prepare for work
Review these pages to help you prepare for your upcoming work term.
Steps to a successful work term
What to do after a job match to help you prepare for work
Work term policies
Career Development eManual
The Career Development eManual created by the Centre for Career Action is an excellent reference when it comes to preparing for work.
Review the work module and the work/life planning module, to help you prepare for work.
Check the Centre for Career Action website for many other resources to help you prepare for your upcoming work term.