JOB POSTINGS

1. When does CEIO contact employers for work term positions?

Co-op starts actively soliciting jobs four months before the start of the work term. Positions will begin to be posted by the end of the first month of the academic semester.

2. Why aren’t job descriptions gathered earlier?

Sheridan co-op, tries as much as possible to mimic what students will find in the job market once they graduate. The Co-op program’s systems and procedures have been designed to accurately reflect the job search, application, interview and hiring systems they’ll find. One of these realities is that employers often can’t accurately access their hiring needs until the need arises. As a result, job descriptions are often created at the last minute to reflect the employer’s exact needs.

3. How does the Office generate jobs opportunities for students?

The Office’s dedicated job search staff and advisors contact thousands of potential employers on students’ behalf. In addition to aggressive marketing efforts and networking events, Sheridan’s proprietary staff resources and databases of potential employers are all reviewed and used to generate opportunities for co-op and internship students.

4. Where do you get the company names which are listed on co-op promotional materials and how current is that information?

Information regarding employers for co-op promotional materials are provided by the Office, and reflect employers from previous work terms who have posted positions here.

WORK TERMS

5. By what point are students usually employed in work terms?

Employment rates and timing vary from term to term and depend largely on the efforts taken by each student. However, as a general guideline, the percentage of students employed: 

• by break week: <5%
• by the start of the work term:
  • For 1st work term students in 2 or 3 year undergrad programs, 30–35%,
  • For post-diploma programs and 2nd and 3rd work term students, usually 40–50%
• By the placement deadline date: Usually well over 95% of students have found co-op jobs

Most often the reasons students fail to find employment include:
        

• Students who are highly selective and either don’t apply to the required 20% of jobs posted or on occasion, turn down a job offer.
• Students who have barriers to employment such as language difficulties or transportation difficulties.
• Students who do not keep in touch with the co-op department; neither apply for positions posted through the Office nor respond to our inquirie

6. How much money can I expect to make on my work term? Are any of the positions unpaid? Will I make more money each work term as I have more to offer a 2nd and 3rd work term employer?

The great majority of positions are paid and the placement statistics and salary ranges from the past two work terms can be found in the ‘Jobs & Money’ section on the web site. The data are tracked and updated every work term.

Some unpaid and volunteer positions may be posted but these are clearly be marked as such.

Many employers increase the wage rate depending on work term and student experience, but it is entirely up to the employer’s discretion. Many employers have a budgeted amount for a student regardless of experience and others have the same on-going position available for a student and do not vary its salary.

There are some programs, mostly in the Degree Programs and by the nature of the industry, which will post unpaid positions or which will offer an honorarium.

7. Can I do back-to-back work terms?

For the great majority of students back-to-back work terms aren’t permitted because, at Sheridan, work terms alternate with academic semesters. Students must return to academic studies after each work term. Exceptions may only be made in special circumstances and students should contact the Office if they have any questions.

8. What if I don't get a job by the deadline date?

As long as you have been active in your job search, and apply to a minimum of 20% of the jobs posted on jobs.sheridan, met academic requirements and you still aren't placed by the deadline, we can defer your work term to the end of your program - after your final academic semester. Additional fees aren’t required if you receive a deferral of your work term.

9. What if I don't get a job by the deadline date of my next work term either?

Unfortunately, students can only do one work term at the end of their program, after their final semester. If a student was to miss two work terms, they could still graduate, but they would not receive a co-op diploma.

FORMS & ASSIGNMENTS

10. Why do I have to write a Work Term Report to get academic credit? If I did the job, shouldn't I get credit anyway?

The work term report illustrates your learning, understanding and experience gained, and also provides you with the opportunity to develop your report writing skills. As well, you can use it to help update your resume. It is part of the package of documents that must be completed to get credit for your work term. As such, your report as well as an evaluation from your employer must be handed in by the deadline.

Internship placements do not count as an academic credit, but are mandatory to graduate from a degree program.

11. Why are the Work Term Report and Evaluations due before the end of my work term?

Sheridan considers co-op as a course for academic credit, and we have to submit grades at the same time as all the other courses do, shortly after the end of the academic term, but before you come back to school. 

WORKPLACE ISSUES

12. What do I do if I have problems on the job with a supervisor or co-worker?

If you find yourself in this situation, please contact your advisor. We can help resolve the situation for you. Please do not quit your job without talking to your advisor first.

13. What if I have technical/work-related problems on the job?

If you have a problem with some aspect of your work, talk to your employer. Ask if there are any additional resources or suggestions that they have. You can also contact your faculty for assistance. Usually a professor can assist you to solve the problem, or can recommend resources to help you solve the issue on your own.

14. My job isn’t the same as what the job description says and it’s not related to my program. What should I do?

Contact your advisor right away; we can help resolve the situation for you. In some cases, small parts of your job won’t be related to your program, but most of your job is program-related. In other cases, because of circumstances, the job may have been changed by the employer. In any circumstance, call your advisor for assistance. 

OTHER QUESTIONS

15. Once I've completed my work term and I come back to school, can I work part time with the same employer? And can I count part-time hours worked during my school semester toward my next work term?”

Often, employers keep their students on a part-time basis when they return to school, and then invite them to return for their next work term. However, you cannot start accumulating your next work term's hours until you have successfully completed your academic term. But you can certainly include your part time experience on your resume.

16. Can I get a refund on my co-op fee?

Fees are collected along with academic tuition and are only refundable if a student withdraws from the co-op program within the first ten days of the academic semester prior to a work term. There is no refund of these fees after this time period therefore students should carefully consider their commitment to the program and the extra work it entails.