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What must a college freshmen be prepared for when entering the workforce starting the Spring term of their college journey for a CO-OP program in a quarter system?
Drexel University runs on a quarter system, where you learn within a 10-week time span, and I chose to study for five years, and go on a three-year CO-OP. I start next year as a sophomore with a Spring/Summer cycle. This will be my first professional job that I will have for six months, and I want to know what I must prepare and become more prepared as I wrap up my freshmen year.
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Patrick’s Answer
Starlynne, stepping into the workforce through a CO-OP program during your Spring term is a golden opportunity, especially in a dynamic quarter system like Drexel University's. This journey, though filled with unique challenges, is also packed with exciting prospects for a college freshman like you. Transitioning from academic life to a professional environment is a thrilling ride, and it's vital to gear up for the swift rhythm of the quarter system and the rigorous workload it brings. With each term squeezed into a brisk 10-week period, mastering time management and organizational skills is key to juggling coursework, assignments, and CO-OP duties. Prioritize smart planning and scheduling to harmonize your academic obligations with your CO-OP role, ensuring you meet both educational and professional standards.
Also, as you set foot in your first professional job during your sophomore year's Spring term, it's crucial to get to grips with workplace norms, etiquette, and expectations. Be proactive and research the company you'll be joining, get a feel for its culture, values, and industry norms, and get acquainted with any relevant technologies or tools your role requires. Additionally, consider seeking wisdom from mentors, career advisors, or older students who have taken part in CO-OP programs to gain valuable insights and tips on smoothly sailing the professional seas.
Moreover, Starlynne, seize every opportunity for personal and professional growth to boost your skills and readiness for the job market. Make the most of workshops, seminars, and networking events offered by your university or CO-OP program to enhance your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Also, consider pursuing relevant certifications, attending industry conferences, or taking part in extracurricular activities related to your study field to expand your knowledge and experience.
Finally, Starlynne, remember to take care of yourself as you balance both academic and professional demands. Keep a healthy work-life balance, set boundaries, and reach out to peers, professors, and campus resources if you face any hurdles or feel swamped. By proactively preparing and nurturing the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset, you can maximize your CO-OP experience and build a strong foundation for future triumphs in your academic and professional endeavors.
Also, as you set foot in your first professional job during your sophomore year's Spring term, it's crucial to get to grips with workplace norms, etiquette, and expectations. Be proactive and research the company you'll be joining, get a feel for its culture, values, and industry norms, and get acquainted with any relevant technologies or tools your role requires. Additionally, consider seeking wisdom from mentors, career advisors, or older students who have taken part in CO-OP programs to gain valuable insights and tips on smoothly sailing the professional seas.
Moreover, Starlynne, seize every opportunity for personal and professional growth to boost your skills and readiness for the job market. Make the most of workshops, seminars, and networking events offered by your university or CO-OP program to enhance your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Also, consider pursuing relevant certifications, attending industry conferences, or taking part in extracurricular activities related to your study field to expand your knowledge and experience.
Finally, Starlynne, remember to take care of yourself as you balance both academic and professional demands. Keep a healthy work-life balance, set boundaries, and reach out to peers, professors, and campus resources if you face any hurdles or feel swamped. By proactively preparing and nurturing the necessary skills, knowledge, and mindset, you can maximize your CO-OP experience and build a strong foundation for future triumphs in your academic and professional endeavors.
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Kevin Joseph’s Answer
What a great opportunity!
You're already off on the right foot, co-ops will give you great experience, and you even get paid!
When you start working especially at your age the employer knows you're a sponge and will be ready to fill you in with lots of great knowledge in how to be a part of their company with the roles you'll get. If you'd like to get a head start, you could email the recruiter or manager if they've assigned one already and ask if they might be able to share what you can expect to be doing, and if there's anything that you can do to better prepare yourself with. This will tell them you're really wanting to make an impact, and if you follow through it makes it that much more worth it for them to want to hire you fully.
Having work experience in college is almost better than just getting good grades, it allows you to share on your resume actual work experience in that field, and even if it's not what you intend to do, if it's somewhat related they're more inclined to follow up on your resume for having additional work experience, and that's if you decide to do something else. From what I've seen, lots of co-ops may offer full time positions to their interns upon graduation, and in that case you usually start out making more than just a new hire from college as you've got so much experience in that position and company already. It's really a great investment for the company and the student all around.
Good Luck!!
You're already off on the right foot, co-ops will give you great experience, and you even get paid!
When you start working especially at your age the employer knows you're a sponge and will be ready to fill you in with lots of great knowledge in how to be a part of their company with the roles you'll get. If you'd like to get a head start, you could email the recruiter or manager if they've assigned one already and ask if they might be able to share what you can expect to be doing, and if there's anything that you can do to better prepare yourself with. This will tell them you're really wanting to make an impact, and if you follow through it makes it that much more worth it for them to want to hire you fully.
Having work experience in college is almost better than just getting good grades, it allows you to share on your resume actual work experience in that field, and even if it's not what you intend to do, if it's somewhat related they're more inclined to follow up on your resume for having additional work experience, and that's if you decide to do something else. From what I've seen, lots of co-ops may offer full time positions to their interns upon graduation, and in that case you usually start out making more than just a new hire from college as you've got so much experience in that position and company already. It's really a great investment for the company and the student all around.
Good Luck!!