1. Expanding Your
Co-op
Opportunities
Northeastern
University
College of Science
&
Cooperative
Education

2. Benefits of exploring opportunities beyond
myNEUcool
Learn job search skills that are essential after
graduation
Pursue a unique interest
Create personal connections and networks
Access to opportunities beyond myNEUcool
May face less competition
Some employers might take a chance on an
individual but not a “program”
Expand Your Opportunities

3.  Getting Started
 Things to Remember
 Preparation Tips
 Job Search Methods
 Finding Advertised Jobs
 Applying to Advertised Jobs
 Finding
Companies/Researchers
 Contacting
Companies/Researchers
 Next Steps
Table of Contents

4.  Answering the following questions will help you
figure out how to begin your search
 Why did you pick your major?
 What field or aspect of your major are you most interested in?
 What was your favorite class? Why?
 What are your career goals so far?
 Has someone inspired you to pursue your major? What inspired
you about that person?
 What other passions or interests that you would like to pursue?
 What skills would like to learn or develop while on co-op?
 Do some general searches
 Refine your search
Getting Started

5.  Keep an open mind
 Be receptive to learning about many different companies and
types of positions
 You have to build up your experience – you cannot start at the
top
 It’s not only what you know but who you know
 Contacts and networking are essential
 Use current contacts and take advantage of new networking
opportunities
 Begin your search early in the co-op process
 Keep your Co-op Coordinator informed
Remember

6.  Identify what you want
 Type of position
 Areas of interest
 Type of workplace
 Geographic location
 Know what you can do
 Know what your skills are
and make sure they are
listed on your resume
 Meet with your Co-op
Coordinator
Prepare
 Create a plan of action
 Set aside time each week
to search for jobs and
prepare applications
 Keep organized
 Keep track of the
positions you apply for
 Record application
deadlines
 Save job descriptions and
applications

7. A: Apply for jobs that are advertised on sites
B: Find companies, organizations, or researchers
and call/email when a job is not posted
Two Methods

8.  Many online databases
to choose from
 Large, general
 Field specific
 Government
 Professional societies
 University compilations
 Individual organizations
 Listservs, Twitter feeds
 Good websites
 Career Development
 HuskyCareerLink
A: Finding Advertised Jobs
 Search tips:
 Experiment with many
keywords
 Limit your restrictions
 Include Internships and
temporary jobs in your
search – these can be made
into co-ops
 Be realistic about your
qualifications
 Set up job alerts
 Indeed.com

9.  Applying to jobs outside of myNEUcool is different
 Read job descriptions carefully and save them
 Follow directions given in the job announcement about how to
submit your application
 Can be online, email, mail
 Employers do not necessarily know about Co-op
 Co-op faculty can speak to potential employers and provide Co-op
information
 Jobs are available to non-Northeastern applicants
 Many jobs will require a cover letter
 Cover Letter tips
 Be sure to apply by the given deadline
 Tell your Co-op Coordinator about the jobs you apply for
A: Applying to Advertised Jobs

10.  Use internet searches for companies in your field
 Search for a type of company in Google Maps to find companies in
a specific geographic location
 Use your family, friends, professors, and professional
contacts to learn about relevant companies
 Use job searches to identify companies of interest even
if the advertised position is not appropriate
 You can still contact the company about other opportunities
 Visit university or hospital websites for lists of faculty
 Faculty will have a bio and/or webpage that describes their
research and provides contact information
B: Finding
Companies/Researchers

11.  Before you contact a company or researcher, ask
your Co-op Coordinator if Northeastern already has a
relationship with that company/person
 Don’t just find a company, find a person
 Use LinkedIn to see if you have any connections to employees
 Ask your professors if they know anyone at the company
 Search the website for specific scientists/employees
 Search for Northeastern alumni
 Familiarize yourself with the company or researcher
 Make sure your email is clear and error free
 Sample email format
 Attach an updated resume to your email
B: Contacting
Companies/Researchers

12.  Be patient
 It may be several weeks before you hear back from employers
 Prepare for conversations or interviews
 Make sure you have a reference list prepared
 Keep your Co-op Faculty informed and use her/him
as a resource and partner
 Stay positive
 Rejections are common
 If no job is available:
 Have a conversation or informational interview
 Ask for advice for finding jobs in the field
 Ask for suggestions for other people to talk to
Next Steps