Most students apply for positions using the CO-OP Navigator, but some choose to find a CO-OP job on their own. There are many good reasons to go this route, from wanting to customize your CO-OP experience, to finding out-of-the-way opportunities in a highly competitive market. Whatever the reason, we want to help you achieve your goals!
If you choose to find your own CO-OP job, please book an appointment with an Education and Professional Development Specialist.
Meeting an employer's specific requirements
Many employers do not post jobs on the CO-OP Navigator. This is because they either have special recruitment deadlines or prefer to use their own job application process. Keep in mind that although these employers do not post with the CO-OP Navigator, the jobs they offer may still count as CO-OP placements in your academic sequence.
To find out more, we invite you to consult the list of employers who do not post on the CO-OP Navigator.
Marketing yourself
When applying to organizations outside the CO-OP Navigator, you will need to create and send a number of documents including a resumé and cover letter (in Word format) as well as thank you letters. More Info
Obtaining approval for your job
Once you have received a job offer, the position will need to be approved. Here are the steps required to have your job approved.
Working with us
You must meet with an Education and Professional Development Specialist to review your resumé, cover letter and thank you letters, and discuss your job search strategy. You will be required to submit a work search plan outlining in detail the steps you will take toward finding a CO-OP work term with specific tasks and deadlines. You will find a sample learning contract at the end of the "Finding Your Own Job" booklet: www.coop.uOttawa.ca/documents/workbooks/find-job-wbk-en.pdf.
To book an appointment with Nicole Miller, Linda Orrell, or Danielle Morin, depending on your program of study, please contact the CO-OP Office at coop@uOttawa.ca or at 613 562-5741.
