King George International Business College
Canada TESOL Centre
Vancouver BC
Co-op Student Handbook
Advanced Business Management
Everything You Need to Know about Having
a Successful Co-op Work Term
KING GEORGE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COLLEGE
CANADA TESOL CENTRE
Welcome to the KGIBC-CTC Co-op program!
You have made it into one of our most advanced programs, and you now have
the opportunity to work in Canada. Congratulations! You must be an ambitious
student with a love of challenges! There is a lot you need to know about the
language co-op program before you begin.
This guide is designed to help you understand the ins and outs of the program,
answer your questions, and get you excited about studying and working in
Canada. It will also let you know about some of the challenges you will encounter
as you search for employment as a co-op student.
Sometimes students arrive with unrealistic expectations about how easy it will be
to get a job in Canada. This guide will dispel any lingering ‘myths’ about the
language co-op program and prepare you for the challenge that lies ahead. It is
very important to adjust your expectations to match the reality that awaits you in
the language co-op program. Our goal is to prepare you so that you know what to
expect.
If you read through and understand all the contents of this guide, you are
prepared for a great language co-op work term.
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As of March 18, 2013 ABM consists of 8 academic modules and a co-op work
term.
ADVANCED BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (50 WEEKS)
Components
Module 1
International Management
Module 2
Communication, Cultural Awareness and Leadership
Module 3
Business Law for Managers
Module 4
Global Finance and Accounting
Module 5
International Marketing
Module 6
Economics for Global Managers
Module 7
Co-op Preparation
Work Term
Co-op Internship
Module 8
Capstone Project
Weeks
4
4
4
4
4
4
1
24
1
Co-op Module 7: Co-op Preparation
This module consists of one week of self-directed job preparation and job
searching under the direct supervision of the Co-op Coordinator. A detailed
schedule will be handed out at the beginning of the module outlining the learning
objectives and assignments for the 1 week module. The module will function as
follows:
o Students sign in at 10.00 am with the Co-op Coordinator on Tuesday and
Thursday for that week and spend Monday, Wednesday and Friday
completing assignments.
o Co-op Coordinator reviews assignments and expectations for the day.
o Students work independently on the campus computers preparing a
resume, cover letters, conducting industry research, and job searching.
o The Co-op Coordinator is available for guidance and tutoring.
o Students hand in requested assignments via email.
o Students check in and out with the Co-op Coordinator on arrival and
departure.
o Students must complete all Module 7 assignments before starting their
work term.
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Co-op Module 8: Capstone Paper
Module 8 students must meet with the module facilitator on the first day of this
module to discuss a suitable topic for their capstone paper. The facilitator will
already have provided the students with a list of possible topics, but will leave the
final selection to the students’ discretion. Students are encouraged to choose a
topic that reflects personal background and interests, or may be useful for their
professional future.
The capstone paper will be 4 to 5 pages in length, and focus on a clearly defined
question or issue. The list of resources will comprise 3 to 5 references. Students
will use the MLA format; all information can be found on
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/search.php
The paper will be assigned a Pass/Fail grade, based on the following criteria:
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Research and quality of academic work 25%
Clarity and focus of argument
50%
English
25%
On day one of Module 8, the module facilitator will sit down with the student to
ascertain they understand the academic and technical requirements, as well as
the investment in terms of time and effort. The module facilitator will coach the
students throughout the week so as to ensure the delivery of a quality product.
Past experience has proven that students avoiding this aspect of the module run
a very real risk of seeing their work sent back for revision, or rejected.
What is a co-op program?
Just in case you need a refresher…a co-op program is a program that combines
theoretical classroom teaching with a work term that allows qualified students to
go out into the working world and find jobs. After students finish their in-class
studies, they begin their job search. This kind of program offers students the
opportunity to practice what they have learned in class as well as their English
skills in English speaking working environments. A co-op program does not
provide jobs, but rather aims to help equip students with the job search skills,
interview skills, and general skill set they will need to succeed in their future
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careers. The KGIBC-CTC co-op program offers students the opportunity to gain
professional experience, but all co-op students must find a work experience
position themselves with the assistance of the Co-op and Practicum Coordinator.
What is the point of taking a co-op program?
The KGIBC-CTC co-op program helps students:
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Develop confidence communicating in English.
Improve business English vocabulary.
Sharpen public speaking skills through presentations and meetings.
Determine personal skills and interests.
Identify personal learning objectives.
Gain valuable work experience, enhance their resumes, and improve
chances of finding a good job in the future.
Discover worlds outside of the ESL classroom.
Develop a competitive edge in the international job market.
In Canada, nobody will hand you the job of your dreams; not your parents,
or your grandparents or your friends or your school. If they could, they
probably would! The hard fact is that everyone must prove themselves,
land a job on their own and work hard to get promoted. Everyone must
“pound the pavement” to get a job, network like crazy, and “talk-the-talk” in
interviews to get hired. This takes a lot of confidence and some special
skills. We will help teach you how to do this!
What are the important things I will learn?
You will begin learning:
How to assess your employable skills, strengths and weaknesses.
How to set clear goals and identify your target jobs.
How to write an effective resume.
How to write an effective cover letter.
How to research companies and target jobs.
How to look for a job on the internet, in newspapers, ‘on the street’ and by
word-of-mouth.
o How to perform well during job interviews.
o How to work in a professional, Canadian environment.
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Part I: HOW THE CO-OP PROGRAM WORKS
What can a co-op student expect from their work term?
Every student comes to the program equipped with their unique educational and
work experience background, so every student will have a different experience. It
is very important for students to adjust their expectations to fit the reality that
awaits them (for example, some work experiences for students are unpaid and
some students may have years of experience in a certain field and not receive a
work term placement in that field.) Please consider the following points:
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Students still completing university studies without work experience will be
eligible for jobs in the service industry and/or retail positions or other entry
level positions.
Recent graduates with some working experience and who possess basic
computer skills will be eligible for the above listed jobs as well as entry
level office administration positions. These entry level positions include
duties such as typing, faxing, photo-copying and general office and
administrative duties.
Mature students with technical training and/or completed university
degrees, as well as years of professional experience will be eligible to
apply for entry level jobs in their profession. These students must research
and pursue appropriate companies that are willing to employ them for a
limited amount of time.
Any student who does not possess adequate English skills, regardless of
their training or experience, will face a greater challenge.
Students willing to take unpaid internships will likely receive more
professional work experience than those who insist on receiving payment
during their work term.
How will the co-op program help me get a job myself?
The co-op program provides support in two main ways:
o KGIBC-CTC provides a Co-op Coordinator to help you with your job
search. Work closely with the Co-op Coordinator throughout your study
term.
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o We provide a one week Co-op Preparation Module 7 to be completed
just after you finish your academic term to help you gain the specific
knowledge you need regarding the Job Market in Canada, Resume
Preparation, Skills Assessment, Interview Skills, and Job Search
Techniques. You will be given a course book outlining the requirements
for this module and providing you with information, tips and advice before
you begin Module 7.
Module 7 activities are mandatory. They are an extremely important part of
completing you academic study term and starting your internship term. If
you have to miss a day for a valid reason, please approach the Co-op
Coordinator to make up the assignments. Students who do not complete
module 7 assignments will be given lowest priority in job search
assistance.
What is the role of the Co-op Coordinator?
The Co-op Coordinator will:
o Provide on-going support to you through-out your study term.
o Help prepare you for your internship with Module 7 and on-going support
during your academic study term.
o Help you obtain three interviews which will allow you to complete the
minimum of 400 hours of work experience, and support you as you job
search.
o Prepare you for interviews.
o Offer on-going support while you are working.
Is it hard as a co-op student to get a job?
Well, it won’t be easy. Please keep these points in mind while you are out there:
o You are competing with native English speaking Canadians.
o Most employers are looking for long term employees. Due to the short
length of the language co-op work term, students will be eligible for a
limited number of jobs.
o You will need to have extra patience and determination to overcome these
extra obstacles.
o Be flexible. There are many ways to complete the language co-op
requirements, so stay open to a variety of options.
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Part II: THE INS AND OUTS OF INTERVIEWS
Will you consider my requests when helping me arrange interviews?
We will try to do so, however, we cannot guarantee that all interviews will
perfectly match your educational or professional background. We ask you to
think broadly and open your mind to a diversity of possible employment
opportunities and how they may benefit you.
Will you send multiple students to interview for the same position?
Absolutely! Sometimes you will find yourself in competition with your classmates.
It’s an extremely competitive work world out there. Our advice to you: sharpen
your skills, build your confidence and just get used to it.
What happens if I refuse an interview?
If you refuse an interview it still counts as one of your ‘magic three’. No debate.
We encourage you to accept all interview opportunities presented by the Co-op
Coordinator. You may find that once you meet the employer and see the work
place in person, it is more appealing to you.
Can anything else jeopardize my “magic three” interviews?
Disrespect of KGIBC-CTC and co-op policies will affect your co-op interviews.
The KGIBC-CTC Co-op team has full authority to refuse one, two, or all three coop interviews on the basis of your behaviour on campus. When we arrange
interviews, we need to be sure that we can trust you as a reliable job candidate.
It is up to you to build and maintain that trust.
What if I am just not very good at interviews?
Nobody loves undergoing interviews. They are nerve-wracking—you are on the
line and you have to sell yourself, and you are speaking a foreign language!
Module 7 provides opportunities for you to participate in practise interviews, and
we encourage students to practise with each other! We will support you if you are
nervous.
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Part III: Work Term Responsibilities
What do I have to do for KGIBC-CTC during my work term?
During your work term you must complete the following “magic 5” tasks:
o Submit monthly ‘Work Reports’ about your company and position to the
Co-op Coordinator. A template for the work report will be given to you.
o Make note of the END DATE of your work term given out by the Co-op
Coordinator when you start working.
o Remember that your work term is exactly 24 weeks long with no
possibility of extension. Even if your company allows you to take a break,
the 24 week count down continues.
o Have a valid study and work permit and valid insurance for the duration
of your work term.
o Return to campus to complete Module 8 by your module start date.
Work Term Pitfalls and Problems
Is it possible to fail my co-op work term?
Yes. You will fail your co-op work term if you:
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Do not submit your Work Reports within the dates specified.
Fail to maintain contact with the Co-op Coordinator.
Do not complete Module 7.
Don’t fulfill the minimum 400 hours of work.
Quit for no good reason.
Are fired.
Do not complete, or fail, Module 8.
What if I quit my job?
If you quit, please note the following:
o It is customary to give at least two weeks notice when quitting a job in
Canada. If the student has valid reasons for quitting and presents those
reasons to the Coordinator, and the student gives two weeks notice, the
Co-op Coordinator may continue to assist the student.
o The co-op team will no longer be under any obligation at all to provide you
with further support or advice.
o If you quit before completing 400 hours of work, you may not earn the ABM diploma.
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The only exceptions to the above are the following cases:
o The organization obviously and immediately violates written promises
made during the interview1.
o The organization asks you to perform tasks that involve heavy manual
labour, are dangerous, or illegal.
o You are being physically, mentally, verbally, or sexually harassed.
o The job is affecting your physical and mental health, and this has been
confirmed by a doctor.
While I am working, what is my status?
You will have full-time student status throughout the duration of the
program, from your first day of classes to the very end of your work term. You
will need to have a valid study permit for the entire program, not just inclass time. When you receive your diploma and graduate you are no longer a
full-time student.
Can I continue working when the co-op work term is over?
Many students ask if they can continue working their job when the work term is
over.
Your Work Permit Conditions:
o You must begin the process of applying for your work permit within the
first module of classes. Do not delay—it takes from 2 to 6 months for the
work permit application to be processed.
o Your work permit has been issued solely for the purpose of the KGIBCCTC co-op program.
o When you graduate and receive your diploma, your work permit is no
longer valid, regardless of whether or not there is any ‘time’ left on it.
o When you graduate, KGIBC-CTC is to inform Canadian Immigration
saying you are no longer a student in our program when they contact us.
o If we inform CIC of your non-student status they know your work permit is
no longer valid.
1
Please note that in BC, verbal promises made during an interview are valid as well. It is crucial that you
make sure you understand everything that is said in the course of an interview.
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If you wish to keep working:
o Your employer may have to submit a Foreign Worker Application for a
labour market opinion (LMO) to the HRSDC in order for you to be able to
apply for a work permit from the CIC.
o It is illegal for you to work without a valid work permit.
o KGIBC-CTC does not assist or get involved in student applications or
plans to immigrate, nor do we assist students in finding a language co-op
host that suits the students’ plans to secure a sponsor. We are an
educational institution and we have no involvement in immigration
counseling or services of any kind. Please seek sponsorship and
immigration advice elsewhere.
But wait…there’s more…
Part IV: Paperwork
Get it done! MEDICAL SERVICES PLAN (MSP)
You must have adequate health insurance for the duration of your work term. When
coming to Canada as a temporary resident, you must apply for BC Medical Insurance,
which will become effective 3 months after your arrival. While you are waiting for your
medical insurance to be effective, you need to apply for private medical insurance that
covers the first 3 months. Apply for your BC care card at the info provided below.
http://www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/msp/index.html
MSP Contacts for B.C. Residents
MAILING ADDRESS
Medical Services Plan
PO Box 9035 Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9E3
Fax: 250 405-3595
TOLL-FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE
An automated service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide information
about your MSP account, and general information about MSP benefits and services.
If you need to speak with a customer service representative, please call between
8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
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Vancouver: 604 683-7151
Other areas of B.C. (toll-free): 1 800 663-7100
In B.C., premiums are payable for MSP coverage and are based on family size and
income. The monthly rates are:
$57 for one person
$102 for a family of two
$114 for a family of three or more
Students must follow their employer’s safety policies and procedures. If injured on the
job, they must immediately notify their co-op supervisor and the co-op team.
Get it done: SOCIAL INSURANCE NUMBER
Students must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) at the nearest HRSDC
office for tax purposes when they begin working.
Please refer to the following web-link:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/sc/sin/index.shtml
HRSDC: Sinclair Centre, Suite 415, 757 Hastings Street West, Vancouver,
British Columbia, V6C 1A1
Phone 604 681-8253
Email [email protected]
Services provided in English only
Hours of service Mondays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Tuesday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Busiest hours 12:00 pm to 3:00
pm.
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INCOME TAX (CANADA PENSION PLAN/EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
PREMIUMS)
Employers will require co-op students to complete a TD1 form for income tax
purposes. The employer can provide a more detailed explanation of the TD1
form when the student starts the work term. Employers are required to deduct
income tax, Canada Pension (CPP), and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums
from employees.
WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
All workplaces where students work must abide by the employment standards
act and health and safety standards of Canada. For more information please
refer to the following websites:
British Columbia:
http://www.bclaws.ca/EPLibraries/bclaws_new/document/ID/freeside/00_96113_
01
http://www2.worksafebc.com/publications/ohsregulation/home.asp
Ontario:
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/pubs/guide/
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/
Nova Scotia:
http://www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohsgensf.htm
http://www.gov.ns.ca/lae/employmentrights/
DISPUTE RESOLUTION POLICY
KGIBC-CTC is committed to the fair and equitable treatment of all students. In
the event of a dispute please follow these steps.
1.
The student must express the details of the dispute in writing.
2.
A director or program coordinator will review the student’s complaint.
3.
The director or program coordinator will try to resolve the dispute with the
student within 10 days of the formal complaint.
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4.
5.
6.
If a consensus is reached, the director or program coordinator shall
provide a written record of the decision.
If a consensus cannot be reached, the student has the right to seek third
party arbitration.
The decision of the arbitrator will be final and will be provided to both
parties in writing.
Some advice for Co-op Students
You know what realtors say about real estate:. It’s all about location, location,
location. The co-op team has a similar saying: it’s all about attitude, attitude,
attitude. Attitude plays a huge role in the success of our students. Successful
students take control of their own life, and do not wait for others to solve their
problems. They take responsibility for their own actions. They do not look for
excuses. They get involved, and show initiative and resourcefulness. They are
unfailingly courteous and respectful. They try to learn how Canadians behave
and think, and are sensitive to their environment. They fit their expectations to
reality, and are open to a variety of options. Most importantly, they are flexible.
When things do not go according to plan, they do not get angry, complain, or
blame others. The have a positive and outgoing attitude!
We look forward to working with you.
Good luck!
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