Steps To A Co-op

Clarkson University » Career Center » Internships & Co-ops

The Career Center will help you take advantage of the university’s existing partnerships with a wide range of industry-leading companies. You can help yourself by taking the initiative in your own search.

Log in. Every student is setup with a “KnightLink” account when they come to campus.  Log in using your email address as your username and 7-digit ID number as your password.  Once in, make sure to fill out your profile and make sure to check the "co-op" work type box. This is how we communicate with interested students about upcoming opportunities.

Stop by in-person or online. Learn how to take full advantage of the university’s resources by stopping by the Career Center in the ERC. You can make an appointment to meet with the Co-op Coordinator to learn more about the program or keep a look out in your KnightLink calendar for any Co-op Interest Meetings. Also, take some time to read through the online Co-Op Handbook and other resources on our website.

Write a resume and cover letter. You will find helpful books and other material in the Career Center office in the ERC. You can also attend one of our resume and cover letter workshops (also posted in the KnightLink calendar) and, once you have a draft, our staff will be pleased to provide feedback and help you improve your final product by scheduling a critique appointment.

Identify prospective co-op companies. You can take advantage of both printed and web-based resources and we suggest you use both. Clarkson’s KnightLink system is a good place to start. The Career Center has a number of printed career planning guides, as well. Being proactive means approaching companies that interest you and fit your career goals.

You can also watch the weekly Career Center newsletter for companies that come to campus to interview. Even if they are not interviewing for a co-op position, you can always approach their representative, in the hopes of talking your way into an interview. Generally, corporate representatives are impressed by students who show initiative and demonstrate their assertiveness.

Network at the Career Fair. Whether you are considering a co-op during your sophomore or senior year, start attending career fairs as soon as you come to campus. We hold two fairs annually, one in September and one in January.  Recruiters remember you more and more each time they meet you; start early and you will have a good foundation once you begin your co-op search.  The Career Center also provides workshops to help you prepare for interactions at the Career Fair.

Send your resume and cover letter and follow-up. There are many ways to obtain a co-op, often times students develop their own sites.  If you can find a contact within the company (perhaps a Clarkson alumnus), do so and address your materials directly to that person. After a reasonable amount of time, follow up with an email or phone call. You want to find out if anyone at the company has read your resume and determine the status of the job vacancy. Remember that your goal is to find out the status of your letter and to again express your interest in working for the company.

Practice, practice, practice. It’s always best to prepare ahead of time.  Attend an Interviewing Workshop to gain basic knowledge and then if you are invited for an interview, contact the Career Center to schedule a video-taped mock interview. Practice interviews can provide valuable experience and feedback and are especially helpful to students who have never had a formal interview.

Remember your thank-yous. If you have an on-campus interview, or land an interview on your own, send a thank-you note within 24 hours. Use this opportunity to reinforce the positive parts of the interview and to express your interest in the company, noting specific parts of the discussion to help them remember you.