Personalized job searching is an important part of the co-op journey and teaches valuable skills that will enhance your future career development and employability. When searching for personalized jobs, remember all co-op positions must be a minimum of 420 hours of paid full-time work per four month term. All positions must first be approved by the Science Careers & Experience Centre. The Personalized Job Approval form can be found on Avenue to Learn.

Where To Look?

• Job Boards: Job boards such as Indeed, Monster and Eluta are great tools for finding posted opportunities. Only a small percentage of jobs are ever posted. So this should not be your only method of searching. Most tools allow you to filter your searches – look for “co-op”, “intern” or “student” positions, and/or limit to specific sectors. Remember to track all of the jobs you apply to this way.
• University Faculty Directories: If you are interested in a research opportunity, searching through a university’s faculty directory can help you find a researcher whose interests align with yours. From there you can contact them and see if they have funds and the space to hire you.
• Network: One of the most effective approaches (but the one least used by students) is taking advantage of your network. Letting family and friends know that you are a co-op student looking for an opportunity may lead to unexpected connections and recommendations. Attending events, such as company information sessions, professional association meetings, conferences etc., can expand your network and introduce you to a wider group of people in your field. LinkedIn is also a valuable networking tool that can help expand your connections. Taking advantage of organizations like Ten Thousand Coffees or the McMaster Alumni and Partners Advisor Network will connect you with experts in your area and allow you to gather information about various career paths and industries.
• McMaster Student Work Program: Every summer McMaster offers hundreds of full-time jobs to students who demonstrate financial need. All Work Program postings go live on MOSAIC in March. Check out the details on eligibility for the program.
• Studentships: A studentship typically involves summer work on a research project. There are many studentships available both here in Ontario and around the globe.

Benefits Of International Co-op:

1. Experience A New Culture

   While travel can provide you with a snapshot of a certain location, there is nothing like working and living in a place to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. Working abroad exposes you to new foods, customs, traditions, business practices and social norms. Our students often take the opportunity to travel to neighbouring areas, actively participate in local activities, make lasting friendships and grow their global network.

2. Hone Your Language Skills

   Chances are if you’re planning on working abroad, one of the major draws may be the opportunity to interact in a foreign language. There is no better way to learn than to dive right in, and you will have a fantastic opportunity to learn or improve your written and verbal communication skills.

3. Personal Development

   Being on your own in a foreign country can be nerve-wracking for some, while exhilarating for others. By embracing new challenges over the course of your experience, you will have the opportunity to further develop many important skills, including problem solving, independent thinking, research, communication and resiliency.

4. Graduate School Admissions

   Like future employers, graduate school admission boards look very highly on abroad experiences. Students who work or study abroad display diversity and show that they aren’t afraid to seek out new challenges or put themselves in difficult situations.

5. Unique Life Experience

   For many students, this may be the only chance to travel abroad, and live and work in a foreign country. Many nations are supportive of temporary student work experiences; full-time postgraduate positions may be much harder to secure. Students are encouraged to embrace this unique opportunity.

Eligibility For An International Co-op

All work term positions must be preapproved through the Science Careers & Experience Centre. Students must consult with the Science Careers & Experience Centre before accepting an offer and receive signed approval from the Science Careers & Experience Centre Manager or Co-op Advisor.

Visa Eligibility: Students must be able to secure a work visa in the country of employment.

Security: The country must not be on the “Avoid all travel” or “Avoid all non-essential travel” list issued by the Government of Canada

Securing An International Co-op Work Term:

After you have met with a member of the Science Careers & Experience Centre team to discuss your international co-op plan, your job search will follow the same strategies and principles that you learned in SCIENCE 2C00 and 3C00.

1. 1. Personalized

      Your primary strategy will be catered to your interests. Use your personal networks and apply to positions in the hidden job market and targeted web searches.

      • For example, you can look into different university websites to obtain background and contact information for the research labs within the institution. EUROScholars is a good reference for 7 major universities.
      • You can also connect with companies and organizations via LinkedIn, e-mail or company websites.

1. 1. Websites And Organizations With An International Focus

      • • Each country you are interested in will have unique career websites and job boards. Check these regularly for updated postings. Examples Include:
          • REED (United Kingdom)
          • SEEK (Australia)
          • EURES (Europe)
          • GoAbroad
          • ScienceCareers

       

      • • Quite a few organizations help connect students to work opportunities abroad. Please note there may be an additional charge for their services, which is your responsibility to pay:
          • AIESEC
          • GoinGlobal
          • Globalinks
          • CO-OP Japan
          • IAESTE
          • SWAP

       

      • International Science Scholarships:
        • DAAD
        • RISE
        • Scholars For Development
        • International Scholarship

1. OSCARplus Job Board

   The OSCARplus Science Co-op and SSC’s main job board occasionally post positions outside of Canada, so keep an eye out for international opportunities. Your co-op coordinator can also connect with you when opportunities arise if they are aware of your interest in working abroad.