Employer Guidelines
The School of Engineering has put together these guidelines and suggestions for co-op student employers and supervisors.
Prior to student arrival
- Brainstorm to develop list of projects the student could be helpful with
- Determine what department(s) and project(s) the student will be assigned to. If available, begin planning specific assignments
- Assign a Supervisor and/or Mentor: Choose a mentor that will be able to answer technical as well as non-technical questions, as well as possibly help counsel the student on education and/or professional aspirations
- Does the student need assistance with housing and transportation?
- Prepare office equipment (phone, computer, workstation) and other office and/or HR related paperwork for the student
The first day of work
Provide student with orientation of:
- Provide site map (buildings, parking lot, lunch room, business offices)
- Provide office/building tour
- Review office equipment (phone, copier room, computer, parking, timecard)
- Discussion of company and office code of ethics
- Introduction and discussion of employees and company structure
- Discussion of professional behavior standards (dress code, work hours)
- Discussion of how to deal with workplace issues such as harassment
- Discussion of time management (timecards, breaks, lunch, appointments)
- Go over expectations of the student, possibly including a job description
- Provide any necessary safety training
Treat the student like a real employee
- Encourage them to actively participate in meetings
- Involve them in company events and activities
Ideas to strengthen the student's experience
- Introduce and train student on new relevant computer software, if available
- Provide hands-on training, such as taking the student into the field
- Provide projects for the students that involve a range of activities including idea generation, design, product conception, manufacturing, testing, and/or quality control
- Provide opportunities for the student to complete a written and/or oral project and/or presentation.
Examples of skills that students look to gain while on co-op
- Lab skills
- Project management skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Self-motivation skills
- Problem solving skills
- Team-building skills
- Leadership skills
- Communication skills
Student Development and Evaluations
First week:
- Discuss the student's short and long-term responsibilities and expectations
- Discuss the path the student would like to pursue at the company
- Suggest methods for tracking daily tasks
Mid-term:
- Follow up on student progress
- Discuss co-op office staff site visit with student
Last week of term:
- Discuss the industry and work experience with the student
- Discuss any future opportunities within the company
