It can be competitive trying to find work terms, so we want to help make sure you stand out. First and foremost, you should attend your prep class where you’ll be able to learn more about the job search process and get guidance from your co-op officer.
Here are some tips to be successful with your job search:
- Tailor your cover letter and resume for every application
- Build networks wherever you can
- Learn more about your dream companies and see if they’re hiring
- Look for jobs that are right for you on GBCareers and through your own self-directed job search
- Work on your LinkedIn profile to make it stand out
- Be accessible
- Practice your interview skills
- Make sure to follow up after an interview
Helpful Links
GBCareers
Here you can view and apply to work term postings.
Self-Directed Job Approval
You must apply for approval for your work term if you find it yourself. Learn more about the process below.
Create a profile, search for jobs and network with people in your chosen industry.
What should you be searching for?
Postgraduate & Diploma Programs
Unpaid work terms (unpaid = less than minimum wage) will be 360 hours; work terms paid minimum wage or higher must be 360 hours or more.
Degree Programs
Work terms must be 420hrs, must be paid minimum wage. Part-time work terms are permitted (your 420hrs can be spread out over multiple semesters).
Work Term Requirements
- Work must be relevant to the program of study, meaningful, and have clear, measurable expectations and learning objectives
- You should be supervised and supported by a mentor with experience in their field, in a professional environment
- Employers review and sign learning objectives, sign a work term agreement, agree to a site visit/phone check-in during the work term, and complete an evaluation form
- Students not covered by the employer partner for workplace insurance (e.g. WSIB) will be covered by the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities through the college
- Given COVID-19 restrictions, it is expected that most positions will be remote, work from home arrangements; employers should be prepared to discuss access to the tools necessary for students to do work, which may include a suitable computer, phone, and internet access
Finding your own job
In addition to searching for jobs in “Centre for Business” on GBCareers, we encourage you to look for jobs through many other channels.
Helpful Tips
- Keep in touch with existing contacts and try to develop new ones
- To target your job search to a specific industry, company or position type
- Visit online job posting sites and apply to any positions you are interested in (Indeed, Eluta, Charity Village, etc.)
- Visit company websites and look at their “Careers” or “Jobs” section
- Research target companies online and through LinkedIn, and call them for an informational interview
- Increase your social presence and social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
- Talk to your current network and try to expand your network through informational interviews, social networking and traditional networking
Job Approval Process
If you find a position on your own, it needs to be approved. Send the position description to the Co-op Officer and submit the opportunity offered through GBCareers Centre for Business. If you have found a position or want to know if a position you’re looking at could work, get in touch with your Co-op Officer
- Complete the steps for submitting a job on GBCareers for approval (you can email coopinfo@georgebrown.ca for instructions)
- Contact your Co-op Officer to provide them with a copy of your job description and to inform them that you have submitted your opportunity online
- Your Co-op Officer will review the submission and position, and connect with your employer to discuss co-op requirements from an employer perspective
- Once your Co-op Officer approves the role, they will communicate that back to you and provide you with paperwork and next steps.
Job approval timelines
- Once submitted, Co-op Officers aim to begin the process to approve the position within 24-48 hours.
- The process to approve your self-directed position could take a few days or longer, depending on information or employer response time.
