Three Reasons to Apply for Summer 2018 Co-op Right Now

Posted on Tuesday, September 12th, 2017

It’s pretty crazy to start thinking about next summer already, but we just opened applications for the summer 2018 co-op term! Applications are open from now until September 17th.

That means it’s time for you to decide whether you want to do a co-op. It also means it’s time for us to tell you all the reasons why doing co-op is the best possible decision you could make for your future career.

Here are three big reasons why you should definitely apply to co-op for 2018.

1. Grow Your Skillset

Co-op offers a unique opportunity to apply the skills you learn in the classroom to a real work environment, while still a student. It gives you an opportunity to learn how your classroom skills apply to your industry.

You also get a great chance to learn what other kinds of skills are in demand in your industry. This can range from industry-specific skills to your soft, or transferable, skills. By working in a professional environment, you get familiar with what kinds of additional skills you should learn.

Growing your skillset outside the classroom is key to standing out during your job hunt. These skills are different from what is learned in the classroom—therefore, different from what your peers have learned.

What does this mean for you? It means that you are more likely to fill specific staffing needs with employers—you have both the industry skills acquired in the classroom, and the experience with soft skills to make you a key part of existing teams.

2. Learn What You Like

One of the biggest benefits of co-op for you is that you get hands-on experience before you even graduate. This gives you an edge, because you discover what kinds of jobs you like—and which ones you’d rather avoid.

When you start to learn what kinds of jobs you like, you’re in really good shape to apply for jobs in your career. You’ll be passionate and knowledgeable in job interviews, and that means you’ll stand out to employers.

It will also help you with your job satisfaction down the road. According to a study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario, people who participate in work integrated learning (which includes co-op) are less likely to feel overqualified for their job once they graduate—meaning that they have greater chances of finding a fulfilling job where you’re constantly learning and growing. That’s definitely something to feel good about.

3. Get Paid More

How will co-op affect your bottom line? The studies point to some really compelling evidence.

According to a study by the University of Waterloo, students who participated in co-op report better salaries, employment rates, and job security. The study by the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario agrees—two years after graduation, students who took a co-op term make an extra $2,000 a year on average.

So co-op isn’t just good for your career track—it’s better for your bank account, too.

Co-op applications for summer 2018 are open now! The deadline for applications is September 17. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions—we’re here to help! You can connect with us at coop@algonquincollege.com or call us at 613-727-4723 Ext.7623.

You can also follow us on Twitter @AlgonquinCoop for lots of helpful tips and tricks to make your co-op experience awesome.


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