COPB51 Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term

Lecture 99
Course Description

This course builds on the foundational job search concepts introduced in COPB50: Foundations for Success in
Arts & Science Co-op (previously COPD01). Students learn to tailor job search documents based on academic
program areas as well as industry hiring practices. In preparation for the first work term search, students participate
in application and interview activities, which will provide opportunities to practice and refine application and interview
strategies and performance. Students also begin to experience the co-op job search cycle by applying to job
postings weekly and receiving feedback similar to when participating in a job search activities. With this feedback,
and the support of your Coordinator, students can adjust their approach to job search or develop strategies for
success in the following term. Students also have a chance to network and practice interviewing in various formats.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of all components of this course, students will have the tools needed to compete for
their first co-op work term and be able to:
 Examine their industry-relevant knowledge, skill sets and experience to identify strengths and gaps
 Create tailored job search documents to specific jobs and industries
 Tell their unique stories both on paper and in an interview setting
 Demonstrate effective interview preparation and professional interviewing in various interview formats
 Map their network and determine the best way to connect, build and maintain their connections

Course Duration: September – December 2020

Pre-requisite: COPB50 (COPD01)

Class Time

The Co-op Office automatically registers students into their appropriate lecture section based on their current co-
op program area/subjectPOSt. Students must attend their assigned section because each section is specifically
tailored by academic program area in Arts & Science Co-op.

COPB51, Lec 99 Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer & Mathematical Sciences

Our virtual “class time” will consist of two parts:

1. Asynchronous (pre-recorded) lectures that are posted on Sundays (unless specified otherwise)
2. Synchronous Practical (live on Blackboard Collaborate Ultra+) on Mondays between 3pm and 5pm EST
or Friday between 9am and 11am EST
Contact Information

Your Student Development Coordinator, Hilda Seedanee, can be reached at hilda.seedanee@utoronto.ca.

Dropping or Adding a Co-op Course

Co-op courses are exclusively for students in the co-op program. Since students are automatically enrolled in co-
op courses and no course fee is charged, if you wish to drop this course, the academic drop dates and refund
deadlines do not apply. Keep in mind that requesting to drop a co-op course will result in an adjustment in yo ur co-
op work term sequence.

Course Expectations

To prepare you for your co-op job search and to succeed on your first co-op work term, it is important to practice
professionalism and effective communication. Employers will expect that you show professionalism in your actions
in both your verbal and written communication throughout the hiring process and from the first day on the job.
Therefore, students are provided with opportunities to hone these skills throughout the co-op courses. As a student
completing COPB51, and overall as a co-op student, you are expected to:
1
 COPB51: Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term | 2019 - 2020

1. Arrive on time and prepared for synchronous practicals and scheduled appointments. This includes
reviewing asynchronous lectures, pre-reading materials and engaging with your peers in practicals.
2. Communicate and respond to communications from the Co-op office. If you are unable to engage with the
course virtually or are facing barriers to participation, please notify me as soon as possible, just as you
would inform a supervisor at work if you were to miss a shift.
3. Be proactive. If you are having a challenge with meet course deadlines or understanding requirements
discuss this in advance of the deadline.
4. Be responsible for your work and learning - students who are absent will be required to review and catch
up on any missed materials individually. Seek clarification when required - this can be accomplished during
synchronous practicals or during scheduled coaching hours.
5. Be familiar with assignment instructions and meet deadlines for sign up or submission.

Late Policy/Job Competition Deadlines

The Co-op Office will not be able to accept job applications received after the application deadline. When applying
to jobs, an application submission will not be possible after a deadline because the posting will no longer being
available on the co-op or hiring company’s website. In addition, arranging for an interview will not occur after
interviews have ended. If you require accommodations regarding this or are unable to meet the deadlines, please
discuss this with your Disability Consultant and Co-op Coordinator in advance to come up with a strategy to meet
the deadlines. Exceptions to the deadline will only be made under exceptional circumstances.

COURSE TOOLS

 Microsoft Teams

Coaching Hours

Coaching hours are a time for you to meet with me and get support with improving your resume, cover letter,
interview preparation/performance, and address questions regarding co-op policy and course materials.

You can schedule 20-30-minute appointment by 1) booking through Quercus Calendar or 2) emailing me at
hilda.seedanee@utoronto.ca. You must book an appointment at least one day in advance.

Appointments will be conducted virtually on Tuesday from 10:30-12:00 am EST and Friday 1:00-2:30pm EST. You
have three options to choose from:
 Blackboard Collaborate Ultra+
 Microsoft Teams
 Over the phone

Required Materials

This course combines asynchronous lectures, synchronous practicals, and one-on-one appointments. Students
can prepare for each class by bringing any materials that will help facilitate their learning.

Required
Job Search Toolkit: Your Essential Guide to Coop Success
Laptop or other electronic device to participate in synchronous practicals including microphone, web camera, or a
laptop or phone which allows for audio or video
Job application documents

Suggested
2
 COPB51: Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term | 2019 - 2020

Headset
Pen and paper/notebook

If you are not able to have the required materials, please discuss this with your Coordinator.

Course Evaluation

Component Weight/Value Due Date

Job Application Simulation* 30% Application 1: Wednesday, September 30 at 11:59pm EST
Application 2: Wednesday, October 28 at 11:59pm EST
Application 3: Sunday, November 22 at 11:59pm EST
*Students who complete all three submissions will be in a good position to begin seeking next semester and understand
how to adjust their documents/application strategy to obtain an interview.
Interviews
I: Video Mock Interview (VMI) 40% VMI: Sunday, October 18 at 11:59pm EST
II: Video Mock Interview (VMI) VMI 2.0: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 11:59pm EST
Discussion Board Discussion Board (participate in 3)
& Quizzes (3 total)
Quizzes
20%

ePortfolio Submission 10% Wednesday, October 21 at 11:59pm EST

Note: Students who achieve 60-70% or higher all job search documents and interview evaluations are able to
compete effectively for a co-op work term. The benchmark was determined based on co-op student results and
seeking success. Students who do not meet this minimum requirement will be able to compete for a work term but
are encouraged to receive additional support during this course through coaching hours to attain this level and
increase your chances of success.

3
 COPB51: Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term | 2019 - 2020

Weekly Course Schedule

Due dates vary between Applications, Discussions, ePortfolio and Mock Interviews
Week of Topic Course Assessments and Due Dates
Sept 6 Setting the Stage: Preparing for the Competition Introductions
Online Module
Sept. 13 Addressing Market Needs in Job Search
Documents
Sept. 20 Addressing Market Needs Part II: Cover Letter Discussion #1
Quiz #1
Sept. 27 Interviews I: Storytelling and Practice Application 1: Wednesday,
September 30 at 11:59pm EST

Oct. 4 Interviews II: Strategies, Question Types, and Quiz #2

Subtext

Oct. 11 No Class - Reading Week

Oct. 18 Interview & Application Trends & Insights ePortfolio: Wednesday,

October21 at 11:59pm EST
Video Mock Interview: Sunday, October 18 at
11:59pm EST
Oct. 25 Industry Insights and Opportunities Discussion #2
Application 2: Wednesday,
October. 28 at 11:59pm EST
Nov. 1 Interview Trends

Nov.8 References & Infomrational Interviews Quiz #3

Video Mock Interview: Wednesday, Nov. 11 at
11:59pm EST
Nov. 15 Questions to the Employer and Thank you Letters Discussion #3

Nov. 22 Job Search Strategy & Tools for Seeking Cycle Application 3: Sunday, Nov. 22 at 11:59pm EST
(COPDB52)
Nov. 29 Individual Consultations
Dec. 6 No Class
*Class topics are subject to change based on class trends.

Student Code of Conduct in Virtual Learning Environments

“As we all adjust to online classes and lectures, and increasingly participate in virtual learning environments,
students are reminded of the expectation that we all demonstrate respect for one another. As outlined in the
Student Code of Conduct, the University of Toronto does not condone discrimination or harassment against any
persons or communities especially when based on grounds protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code. The
University of Toronto recognizes its commitment to human rights, equity and inclusion and acknowledges the
disproportionate impact COVID-19 has on various parts of our community. COVID-19 is not isolated to people of
any particular ethnic origin, place of origin or race. Equity, diversity and respect must remain integral as we
continue to transition during these challenging times. The institution will monitor and address discriminatory
comments or behaviour including on U of T’s online platforms and classrooms.

4
 COPB51: Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term | 2019 - 2020

ACCESSIBILITY & ACCOMODATIONS

Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in the co-op program. If you have a consideration that
may require accommodations while job searching or while on the job, please feel free to approach me and/or your
Consultant in AccessAbility Services early in your job search semester. I will work with you and AccessAbility
Services to ensure you can achieve your learning, job search and work term goals in this course. Enquiries are
confidential. The UTSC AccessAbility Services staff are available by appointment to assess specific needs, provide
referrals and arrange appropriate accommodations (416) 287-7560 or ability@utsc.utoronto.ca. Please feel free to
address accommodation requests with me during office hours.

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Academic integrity guidelines of the University of Toronto extend to the creation and representation of oneself during
job search. In the context of the Co-op program, ethics, honesty and originality of job search documents and the
work created in the workplace is essential. The Co-op Program and the University treats cases of misrepresentation,
cheating and plagiarism very seriously. The University of Toronto’s Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters
(http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policies/behaveac.htm) outlines the behaviours that constitute academic
dishonesty and the processes for addressing academic offences.
With regards to resumes, cover letters, interviews, online presence or in crafting your narrative during your job
search or on the job the following potential offences included but are not limited to:
 Using someone else’s ideas or words without appropriate acknowledgement. (copying descriptions from the
academic calendar, a company website, or course examples into a cover letter or resume)
 Submission of identical assignments for job applications.
 Submitting your own work in more than one course without the permission of the instructor.
 Making up sources or facts. (in the case of job search this could be falsifying experience on a resume or
providing false references)
 Obtaining or providing unauthorized assistance on any assignment or job application.
 Misrepresenting your identity.
 Falsifying institutional documents or grades.
 Falsifying or altering any documentation required by the University or an employer, including (but not limited to
doctor’s notes or reference letters)
 Accepting multiple job offers for a work term.

All suspected cases of academic dishonesty will be investigated following procedures outlined in the Code of
Behaviour on Academic Matters. If you have questions or concerns about what constitutes appropriate academic
behaviour or appropriate research and citation methods, you are expected to seek out additional information on
academic integrity from your Co-op Coordinator, instructor, or from other institutional resources (see
https://www.academicintegrity.utoronto.ca/).

Health & Wellness

Co-op job search can be challenging for many students and there may be a time when you feel overwhelmed and
need support. The Health & Wellness Centre has trained counselling staff available Monday-Friday, and will work
with you to understand your needs, challenges, and help create a plan to ensure you have the support you need to
be successful. The Health & Wellness Centre is located in the Student Centre (SL-270) and appointments can be
made by phone, by email or online.

Phone: 416-287-7065
Email: health-services@utsc.utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/hwc/contact-us

5
 COPB51: Preparing to Compete for Your Co-op Work Term | 2019 - 2020

Time Management

Trying to balance all of your commitments such as schoolwork, work, volunteering, sports, hobbies, social and
family life, can sometimes be overwhelming and stressful. In this course, time management has been identified as
one of the greatest barriers to successfully obtaining a work term - it is such a valuable skill and is integral in being
successful in all domains of life. The Centre for Critical Development Studies has excellent tools for improving your
time management and stress management. I highly encourage you to utilize the tools and resources provided here
http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ccds/time-management-and-stress to enhance these essential skills. For further
assistance on Time Management, visit the Academic Advising and Career Centre or attend one of their Time
Management Workshops.

Phone: 416-287-561
Email: aacc@utsc.utoronto.ca
Website: http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/aacc