Co-op and work-integrated learning will be the focus of a variety of new student-focused initiatives in March, as the College celebrates National Co-op and Work Integrated Learning Month.
Led by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL), National Co-op and WIL Month aims to promote awareness across Canada from March 1 to 31, including its National Day of WIL which will be held this year on March 23.
NC’s Student Engagement, Academic Advising and Career Services (EAC) has planned a range of programming for students to bring attention to the celebration as well as to the services they offer.
“Co-op and WIL Month is a great opportunity to showcase these impactful experiences and provide students with a focused set of programming related to WIL and co-op-based learning,” said Shari Walsh, Associate Director, Student Engagement, Academic Advising and Career Services.
“Overall, our goal is to create additional learning spaces for students to engage in career-focused programming, that will provide them with tools for successful WIL and co-op experiences, skills discovery and the opportunity to reflect on their career-related goals.”
Walsh noted that all of the events planned for students offer unique learning opportunities.
“Each program targets specific skills or competencies that are impactful for the student experience,” she said. “Each year we work to ensure the program series is relevant to the current circumstances and provides students with concrete takeaways.”
Law Clerk Refresher Session
March 9, 9:30 a.m.
Law Clerk students can ensure they are prepared for their co-op work term by attending this condensed version of Co-op Preparation classes.
InterviewStream Demo and Common Interview Questions
March 10, 10:30 a.m.
Job interviews can seem daunting. During this session, students will learn how to use InterviewStream, which they can access at any point to help prepare for an upcoming interview. The session will also review common interview questions and answers.
Professional Etiquette and How to be Successful in Your Co-op
March 17, 1:30 p.m.
This discussion-based session was designed to help students assess obstacles that may make it difficult to find or keep a job, and identify important skills and attitudes that will improve their chances of getting and keeping a job. Students will also gain information and strategies to help them get clarity at work about their roles and responsibilities, and build their skills and knowledge and improve their performance.
Skills Discovery Workshop
March 23, 2:30 p.m.
Connecting a student’s employability skills and experience can be a challenging task. This session will simplify the process. Upon completion, student will be able to identify skills they did not realize they had, and recognize the ways they transfer into their academic and career opportunities. Students learn about how they can incorporate their skills and experience into their job search and showcase their skills to employers. The session also helps students access resources to continue skills recognition as they complete their academic career and begin to explore career opportunities
Podcast
The Go to College They Said podcast will feature an episode with Canadian Niagara Hotels discussing hospitality and culinary career opportunities, and will highlight an international co-op student experience featuring a student and an advisor.
Get involved
All of NC’s National-Co-op and WIL Month events will be held virtually for 2022. Registration is not required. Events details are listed on the MyCareer calendar at mycareer.niagaracollege.ca/home.htm (students must log in to view).
