Self Initiating Strategy

An uncommon practice that many students have probably not thought of is a self initiated strategy. What does this mean?

A self initiated strategy is one where a student finds a job related to their field (ex. IT position) and convinces the employer to become a co-op employer. If you have a job or found a potential job but they are not a co-op employer, it is not too late to have the company register as one (but you have to act soon, latest to apply for the 2013 year is around May 27)! Many students do not understand the process that employers go through in order to become a co-op employer. Surprisingly, it is probably not as difficult as it seems.

How Employers become Co-op Employers

To become a co-operative employer, the employer applies through “Symplicity” https://nait-csm.symplicity.com/. They are to set up an account indicating the industry the company works in, organization name, contact information, and an optional description of the company. Other information is also required but the process is user friendly and does not take long for the employer.

How to Convince an Organization to become a Co-op Employer

NAIT Co-op Education Program has a comprehensive brochure about the benefits of becoming a co-op employer (don’t forget that the organization does benefit as well!). Read the brochure and become familiar with it so you can explain the benefits to the employer. Printing a copy of the brochure and giving it to the employer directly will also increase your chances. 

*If you cannot print off the brochure or the image does not show up appropriately, email me at brandonlieu1@gmail.com 

Tips: explain that it is a relatively simple process and does not take much time to become a co-op employer

It is your future, take the first step to initiate what you want!