CO-OP Work term IN REVIEW
workbook
2012-2013
W12-2013
Produced by the Co-operative Education Programs
of the University of Ottawa
100 Thomas More, 4th floor
Ottawa ON K1N 6N5
Telephone: 613.562.5741
E-mail:
[email protected]
Web site: www.coop.uOttawa.ca
No part of this publication may be reproduced or
distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in
a database or retrieval system, without the prior written
permission of the University of Ottawa.
This guide includes a number of links to various online
resources, which were valid at the time of printing.
Since links are often modified, we invite our readers to
consult our online version for the latest URL updates.
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
WORKSHOP OUTLINE
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 2
FACILITATOR’S BACKGROUND ..................................................................................................................... 2
WORKSHOP GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................ 2
WORKSHOP AGENDA .................................................................................................................................. 2
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT .................................................................................................. 2
ACTIVITY: WORK-TERM EVALUATIONS – THE F.R.E.D. TECHNIQUE ............................ 3
NETWORKING ACTIVITY ............................................................................................................... 5
Who is in your network? ............................................................................................................................. 5
RESUMÉ UPDATES ............................................................................................................................ 7
ACTIVITY: USING DIRECT VS. INDIRECT WRITING STYLE IN YOUR RESUMÉ ......... 7
ACTIVITY: RESUMÉ REVIEW ........................................................................................................ 8
Book a resumé review . ............................................................................................................................... 8
Thinking ahead: strategizing for the future ................................................................................................... 8
TIPS ON WRITING YOUR WORK-TERM REPORT FROM
THE ACADEMIC WRITING HELP CENTRE ................................................................................. 9
Structure your report logically ..................................................................................................................... 9
Structure your sentences properly ............................................................................................................... 9
Use a clear precise vocabulary . ................................................................................................................... 9
Ensure subject/verb agreement ................................................................................................................... 9
Maintain parallelism .................................................................................................................................... 9
Check your spelling . ................................................................................................................................... 9
Punctuate correctly ................................................................................................................................... 10
Eliminate homophone errors . .................................................................................................................... 10
Cite your references . ................................................................................................................................ 10
Revision checklist ..................................................................................................................................... 10
CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................................... 11
Next steps ............................................................................................................................................... 11
Resources ................................................................................................................................................ 11
APPENDIX ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Stop-Start-Continue Activity . .....................................................................................................................
Questions to consider ...............................................................................................................................
Changing your job application strategy . .....................................................................................................
Growing your network ..............................................................................................................................
Direct vs. indirect writing style . .................................................................................................................
Reflect upon answering the question, “Why didn’t you do well in your final evaluation?” ................................
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1
Introduction
Introduction
FACILITATOR’S BACKGROUND
WORKSHOP GUIDELINES
• Arrive on time
• Sign the attendance sheet
• Play an active role
• Respect others
WORKSHOP AGENDA
Review past work term and prepare
for the next by:
• Defining professional development
• Reflecting on your work-term evaluations
• Networking discussion and activity
• Updating your resumé
• Strategizing for the future
• Writing the work-term report
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
• What is professional development?
• What are the potential results
of professional development?
Potential results of
professional development:
• Greater ability to secure work terms
that match your career goals
• Opportunity to increase preparedness
for employment post-graduation
• Greater flexibility in terms of career choices
• More depth and breadth in work projects
leading to greater responsibility
• More rewards (both extrinsic and intrinsic)
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WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
notes
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
The F.R.E.D. technique
ACTIVITY: WORK-TERM EVALUATIONS –
The F.R.E.D. TECHNIQUE
Purpose:
Rationale:
To reflect upon performance during your last work
term and better understand its potential impact on
your professional career.
By reflecting upon your past work performance,
you can identify ways to improve future performance.
Part 1 – Individually
Reflect upon your evaluation using the F.R.E.D. technique:
FACTS
What facts do you remember, if any, that may have influenced your employer to give you this evaluation?
What observations did you make during your work term that factor into the evaluation?
REFLECTIONS
What was your first response to the employer’s evaluation?
How did you feel?
EVALUATIONS
What has been your greatest insight since receiving this evaluation?
What is your assessment of the evaluation you received? Is it accurate in your eyes?
DECISIONS
How will the employer’s evaluation affect your future performance, if at all?
What decisions will you make/have you made for the future?
Part 2
Be prepared to share your thoughts with the larger group
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The F.R.E.D. technique
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
THE F.R.E.D. TECHNIQUE: NEXT STEPS
Counselling and Personal Development Service
100 Marie Curie
Personality assessment and guidance
Career Services
312 UCU - 3rd floor
Volunteering
Mentorship
Associations related to your field
notes
4 CO-OP WORK-TERM IN REVIEW – WORKBOOK
Local school boards
English as a second language (ESL)
Language instruction for newcomers to Canada
Plus much, much more!
Check out
www.ocdsb.edu.on.ca
www.winterconnections.com
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
Networking activity
NETWORKING ACTIVITY
Purpose:
Rationale:
To get you thinking about your developing
professional network.
To keep your network healthy and growing you need
to nurture it, by staying in touch with supervisors,
colleagues, fellow volunteers, etc.
Who is in your network?
Individually, spend time completing the table below:
Name of contact
Title
Relationship to you
Contact information
Name three ways these people have assisted you in your professional development.
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Networking activity
How can you ensure these people remain in your network?
For more reflections on networking see page 16 of the appendix.
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Resumé updates
RESUMÉ UPDATES
ACTIVITY: USING DIRECT VS. INDIRECT WRITING STYLE
IN YOUR RESUMÉ
Purpose:
Rationale:
To provide you with a sense of the inherent differences
in direct and indirect writing styles.
As you advance in your career and gain pertinent
experience, it is important for your resumé to reflect
this change. Writing in a more direct style is a way to
show that you have relevant experience. In the direct
style, the verbs at the beginning of the phrase directly
describe the action that took place rather than the
learning that occurred.
For the examples below, determine if an indirect or a direct writing style is used. How can you tell?
Improved teamwork skills while interacting with fellow employees to create advertising displays.
Successfully developed new antibodies for use in breast cancer research and therapy by experimenting with antigen
preparation and immunization routines.
Now, make these changes on your own resumé as soon as possible.
Show potential employers that you HAVE relevant experience.
Make their work easier – they will appreciate it!
See page 17 of the appendix for more practice with changing an indirect style of writing to a direct style.
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Resumé review
ACTIVITY:
RESUMÉ REVIEW
Purpose:
To verify that all important resumé details have been
updated and revised.
Rationale:
The resumé is a document that is under constant
revision. While greater experience adds to each
individual’s candidacy it does not replace the need
for revisions and updates.
As a larger group:
Review a student’s resumé
Check:
• Security clearance field updated
• Recent work term added
• Look for direct vs. indirect writing style
• Updated year of study
• Old information deleted or modified to better reflect
what employers in your field are looking for
• New reference(s) added
• Action words used
• First-person pronouns removed
• No spelling or grammar errors
• Accomplishments added
BOOK A RESUMÉ REVIEW
Contact the CO-OP Office at [email protected]
or at 613.562.5741
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WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
THINKING AHEAD:
STRATEGIZING FOR THE FUTURE
• How will you write your resumé to support
your career objectives?
• What types of jobs will you apply for to develop
your knowledge, skills, and abilities?
• How will you market yourself in interviews
to increase your competitive advantage?
• How will you write your work-term objectives
to increase your professional development?
notes
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
TIPS ON WRITING YOUR WORK-TERM REPORT
TIPS ON WRITING YOUR WORK-TERM REPORT FROM
THE ACADEMIC WRITING HELP CENTRE
Structure your report logically
Divide your report into sections, keeping in mind
the type of report that you have chosen. This will
help you present your ideas in an organized and clear
manner. When you revise your report, make sure
that the central ideas stand out.
Structure your sentences properly
Avoid run-on sentences (two complete sentences
joined together) and sentence fragments (a group
of words that has no subject or verb and expresses
an incomplete thought). Make sure you use both
commas and conjunctions properly when joining
complete sentences or ideas together.
I managed a number of projects. Most
notably a communication plan and
a marketing strategy.
I managed a number of projects, most
notably a communication plan and
a marketing strategy.
Use a clear precise vocabulary
Choose your words carefully. Avoid vague or
ambiguous language; be direct and clear. Avoid
informal language such as slang, unnecessary
abbreviations and clichés.
Ensure subject/verb agreement
Check your sentences carefully to make sure that plural
subjects agree with plural verbs and singular subjects
agree with singular verbs.
The administrator in charge of all other staff
members are eager to share the workload.
he administrator in charge of all other staff
T
members is eager to share the workload.
Maintain parallelism
Use the same format for words in a series, sequence or
list. This means using the same word type (adjective,
verb, noun, etc.) and the same verb tense if possible.
My duties included planning meetings, scheduling
events, and I arranged several fundraisers.
y duties included planning meetings, scheduling
M
events and arranging several fundraisers.
Check your spelling
Don’t rely on the spelling or grammar checking
functions of your word processor. Check your text
yourself. Leave some time after writing for revision,
and revise more than once.
I went to a workshop on fundraising.
I participated in a workshop on fundraising.
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TIPS ON WRITING YOUR WORK-TERM REPORT
Punctuate correctly
Make sure to check for missing or incorrect
punctuation, such as absent apostrophes or misplaced
semicolons. Consult a grammar handbook if necessary.
On my supervisor’s recommendation; I tried
a new strategy.
n my supervisor’s recommendation, I tried
O
a new strategy.
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
Revision checklist
 I have followed all the requirements and
instructions from my faculty or department
when writing my report.
 I have structured my report logically.
 I have constructed my sentences properly.
 I have used clear and precise vocabulary.
Eliminate homophone errors
Pay attention to words that sound the same but
have different spellings and meanings, especially
common errors, such as “it’s/its,” “they’re/their/there”
and “you’re/your.” Homophone mistakes will not be
caught by the spelling or grammar checking function
in a word processor.
I updated the database and increased it’s efficiency.
I updated the database and increased its efficiency.
Cite your references
Any information from a source must be referenced
by adding it to the bibliography at the end of
your report and putting a parenthetical citation
in the body of your text. Use the same format
for all citations. Proper citation and referencing
is vital to avoid plagiarism.
 I have ensured subject/verb agreement
in my report.
 I have maintained parallelism.
 I have checked my spelling.
 I have punctuated correctly.
 I have eliminated homophone errors.
 I have correctly cited my references.
Come and see us!
Come and see us to discuss your resumé or
your work-term report. The Academic Writing Help
Centre (AWHC) offers one-on-one appointments
with writing advisors, as well as a range of
other services and resources.
110 University
613.562.5601
www.sass.uOttawa.ca/writing
[email protected]
Work-term reports and guidelines:
www.coop.uOttawa.ca/en/en-coop-students/
en-wt-guidelines.asp
CO-OP Academic Coordinators list:
www.coop.uOttawa.ca/en/en-contact-us/en-cc.asp
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CONCLUSION
CONCLUSION
notes
NEXT STEPS
• Reflect on work-term evaluation and strategize
for the upcoming placement
• Realize importance of your network and learn how
to nurture it
• For a confidential work-term report, you must get
permission from your CO-OP academic coordinator
prior to submission
• Write and submit the work-term report on
or prior to the due date (see key dates calendar)
• Update your resumé
• Indicate your placement intentions and start applying
for jobs, or refer to key dates calendar
for official withdrawal date
• Attend job fairs on campus
• Book mock interview as needed
• Pick up corrected work-term report in late October
at Faculty
GOOD LUCK!
RESOURCES
CO-OP Office
Phone: 613.562.5741
E-mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.coop.uOttawa.ca
Web resources
www.sass.uOttawa.ca
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Appendix
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
APPENDIX
STOP-START-CONTINUE ACTIVITY
Purpose:
Activity:
To think critically about work behaviours and develop
strategies to improve personal performance for
the next work term.
Rationale:
Recognizing what behaviours that you should “Stop”,
“Start” and “Continue” will improve work performance
and job satisfaction.
Individually
1. Circle all the traits that you possess.
- Add to the list as required
- Include traits noted in your final evaluation
2. Complete Stop-Start-Continue activity.
Stop-Start-Continue
Accountable
Dependable
Loyal
Punctual
Accurate
Devoted
Open-minded
Rational
Adventurous
Direct
Opportunistic
Realistic
Compassionate
Driven
Optimistic
Responsible
Competent
Efficient
Orderly
Self-controlled
Composed
Enthusiastic
Organized
Sensible
Conscientious
Entrepreneurial
People-oriented
Skillful
Cooperative
Generous
Perfectionist
Spontaneous
Courageous
Genuine
Persistent
Team player
Creative
Imaginative
Positive
Theoretical
Curious
Ingenious
Pragmatic
Thorough
Daring
Initiator
Proactive
Traditional
Decisive
Inspirational
Problem solver
Unique
Dedicated
Intellectual
Procedural
Versatile
Democratic
Knowledgeable
Professional
STOP-START-CONTINUE
Stop-Start-Continue is a model that lets you systematically review your past work term and prepare for your next one.
Answer the questions on the next page.
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Appendix
STOP A BEHAVIOUR
START A BEHAVIOUR
Stopping, limiting or modifying a certain behaviour
can dramatically improve work performance.
Adopting a new behaviour can also improve
your performance.
1.Think of a negative behaviour (possibly noted in
your final evaluation). How could you stop, limit
or modify it?
2.How could you incorporate this adjustment into
your next set of work-term objectives?
1.Review the words that you did not circle.
2.Which of these traits would you like to possess
that you currently do not?
3.How could you incorporate this adjustment into
your next set of work-term objectives?
Example: My final evaluation said that I was overly
focused on perfectionism. One of my work-term
objectives could be to improve my priority-setting
and time-management skills.
Example: It became clear during the work term that
greater knowledge of some technologies would have
been an asset. One of my work-term objectives could
be to read more on these technologies. I could also
complete an online tutorial.
ANSWER
ANSWER
CONTINUE A BEHAVIOUR
Recognizing which behaviours are worth continuing ensures that you build on your strengths.
1. Of the positive traits you possess and circled (possibly noted in your final evaluation), list the ones that you will
continue using. You should have more than two.
2. How could you incorporate these into your next set of work-term objectives?
Example: Feedback I received throughout the work term revolved around my strong organizational skills. I want to
build on this by setting a work-term objective that would see me organizing (or helping organize) an event.
ANSWER
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Appendix
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
REFLECTION
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
Write personal reflections on
the Stop-Start-Continue activity.
• What do you predict will be the difference between
a summer work term and a winter or fall work term?
Suggestion: Your reflections could include how you will
revise your resumé, prepare for interviews, write workterm objectives, work with your supervisor, navigate
the work-term environment, build on your strengths,
and so on.
• What motivated you at work?
The possibilities are limitless. Reflect on what means
the most to you.
• What surprised you most about your work term?
• What de-motivated you at work?
• What impact did office politics have on you?
• What was confirmed for you through
your work term?
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Appendix
Changing your job application strategy
As you may remember from your first work term, it required a lot of effort, many job applications with few if any
interviews at first. As you progressed, you may have seen an augmentation in the number of interviews you received,
but this came about only with great effort and many job applications.
The Education and Professional Development Specialists and Employer Account Managers pushed you to apply
for many jobs, even those outside of your specified field of study. They encouraged you to be “broad” in your search
for a work placement.
As you moved through your first work term and gained experience, you, in turn, became more marketable.
Marketability can be defined as the appeal you have to potential employers. Marketability refers to what you are
worth on the job market. Are you skilled? Do you have relevant experience and education? Now that you have built
up your skills and acquired relevant experience, in addition to acquiring additional education, thereby increasing
your marketability, your strategy should be changing accordingly.
You will find that for your next work term you will need to apply to fewer jobs to achieve success and also you will
be able to be more particular in the jobs you apply for.
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Appendix
Growing your network
How can you “grow” your network?
• While in school?
• While in placement?
• While volunteering?
Are there other ways of expanding your network?
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Appendix
Direct vs. indirect writing style
Change the following phrases using an indirect style of writing to ones using a direct style:
Developed research skills while experimenting to induce animals’ immune system to respond to a weak antigen.
Built teamwork skills while developing, in collaboration with others, a novel assay which identifies the antibodies’
ability to bind to live, intact tumor cells.
Developed communication skills while building a large loyal client base through personal attention, quality service,
and consistent follow-through on identified problems and complaints.
Enhanced safe working knowledge and skills while conducting advice visits to hazardous and mixed waste generators
to review procedures, labelling practices, and adherence to accumulation time limits.
Used listening and verbal skills to resolve countless technical, political, and interpersonal problems among individuals
from diverse backgrounds.
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Appendix
WORK TERM in review — WORKBOOK
Developed communication skills while handling media relations and providing an accurate and concise portrayal of
the organization’s positions on current issues.
Developed time-management abilities while organizing detailed route books and financial record-keeping materials.
Developed leadership skills while coaching management and engineering teams in developing successful
sales strategies.
Developed priority management skills while handling incoming calls, setting up appointments, managing scheduling
conflicts, and organizing immigration case conferences.
Demonstrated strong attention to detail while analyzing incoming and outgoing memoranda, submissions and reports
and preparing and co-coordinating the preparation and submission of summary briefs and reports to executives,
committees and boards of directors.
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Appendix
Reflect upon answering the question, “Why didn’t you do well
in your final evaluation?”
Purpose:
To help you strategize over possible answers if you did
not receive a good final evaluation.
Rationale:
Being prepared for this likely question will leave you
looking more confident and assured in the interview.
Possible answer: “After considering my final evaluation,
I realize now that I could have done things differently.
The position offered a great learning opportunity
I unfortunately didn’t make the most of. I believe
I’m wiser now. I realize where I went wrong (add an
example of where you believe you went wrong) and
I can assure you it will not happen again. I’d like
the chance to prove that to you.”
Practice your response in advance. This way, being
prepared, you’ll feel more ready and more confident.
Try to keep your response brief and honest. Move it
along quickly. In this way, you’ll be able to get back
to the interview, sell your skills and expand on why
you believe you’re the most qualified person for
the position.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind
when answering this question:
1.Never say negative things about
your former employer.
2.Do not blame anyone but take responsibility
for your own performance.
3.Be honest; stick to the facts and
keep your emotions out of it.
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