最大化你在合作社的时间

Review the tips below to maximize your time on co-op. If you have any questions or want to discuss maximizing your time on co-op further, please contact your Steinbright advisor.

Take Initiative

You can show your enthusiasm and commitment to your co-op by taking initiative and being proactive. Once you've successfully completed all tasks you've been assigned, seek out additional responsibilities to help your colleagues – or better yet, identify an area where you could contribute beyond your usual tasks, and run it by your supervisor for approval. Remember to provide your supervisor with regular status updates on your projects so they know what you're working on and your overall progress.

Ask for Feedback

It's okay, and even a good idea, to periodically ask your supervisor to provide feedback on your work performance. At the start of co-op, you may want to ask your supervisor for feedback on new tasks you've completed to ensure they've met expectations. To request more in depth feedback on your overall work performance, it's recommended that you ask your supervisor if they are available to set up a time to discuss your co-op progress and performance together. Prepare for this meeting with a few questions and be open to implementing feedback from your supervisor after the meeting.

Network

Networking on co-op can enhance the overall experience, as it provides the opportunity to learn more about your colleagues, their roles, and the company. Networking may sound intimidating at first but generally becomes easier with some practice. You can start by building a relationship with your supervisor and immediate team. To continue expanding your network, identify whom within the organization you'd like to connect with and what questions you'd like to ask them. Always be mindful of your colleague's time. If your company offers a networking program for co-ops or networking event, strongly consider participating. 

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Join a Colleague Resource Group

When starting co-op, you may want to ask whether your employer has any active Colleague Resource Groups (also known as employee resource groups or affinity groups). These groups traditionally provide a supportive space for employees sharing a similar background, identity, or interest. Joining a Colleague Resource Group could provide an opportunity to access resources and build meaningful relationships with other employees.

Take Time to Reflect

Co-op is a great opportunity to learn more about your working preferences, so it's important to continuously reflect on the experience. Take some time each week to think about what you've accomplished, challenges you've dealt with, and new skills (soft and technical) you've developed. Write it down! Continually reflecting on your co-op experience will help you update your résumé, talk confidently about the job in future interviews, and better understand your career interests, workplace preferences, and personal strengths and areas of improvement.