Computer Sciences and Co-operative Education 

Rather than have the student spend time on low-value tasks, focus on providing opportunities related to the student’s individual learning plan that apply directly and meaningfully to the work of the organization.

Read our Onboarding information page for helpful tips on successfully onboarding your student and a handy printable onboarding checklist.

Employers often report that they experienced significant learning from the coaching process.  By making time to mentor and coach on an ongoing basis, both the student and the mentor will get the most out of the experience. 

Stimulate growth by progressively adding responsibilities, providing feedback and encouraging independent thoughts. Some factors necessary for effective partnership:

• Understanding student’s individual needs, career plans and learning goals
• Promoting a positive outlook of the upcoming term tempered with realistic expectations
• Sharing knowledge and experience with the student through supportive communication and active listening

Students are receptive to feedback that will improve their performance as a growing professional. Students view their supervisor as a mentor who will give them direction and help them succeed in the professional environment.  Employer supervisors are encouraged to structure feedback so students recognize this as valuable, actionable information and understand all feedback is relevant.

Informal feedback is sometimes not perceived by the student as feedback. The more casual the feedback the less students tend to recognize it as feedback. Feedback can come from a variety of sources. The employer supervisor should initiate feedback. Peers, team members or other departments may also offer feedback.  When using informal feedback be clear with your intent. The more direct, the more likely the student will perceive this to be an area of focus. Positive feedback should be given freely. Areas of growth should be presented in a private setting where the student is not embarrassed. Feedback should be delivered as often as possible to encourage the student to continue to develop.

Formal feedback should be a prepared and delivered in a private meeting – for example, to discuss strengths and areas for growth. It should be designed so the supervisor achieves his desired objective. For example: What do you want to tell this student and why? Present positive feedback first and then discuss areas for growth. End the discussion with positive reinforcement. Students should have clear and measurable objectives of areas for growth that need to be addressed. Use specific examples of student behavior whenever possible so students have a clear picture of what needs improvement.

Find ways to make students feel that their work is important and that they are critical to the success of the team.  One way to achieve this is to give each student a certain amount of leadership over their work. By giving the students freedom to manage their own individual projects, they are able to lead their interaction with others. Asking questions or for advice develops skills in team-work and creates a stronger personal connection with the team. Providing business cards, personal business email addresses, and giving access to various backend systems can help reinforce this.

Providing compensation for student work promotes a stronger sense of commitment for both the mentor and the student and leads to better outcomes on both sides. Cooperative Education programs require compensation. Internship opportunities have some flexibility; can range from salary or wages to stipends or in-kind payments, such as paying for transportation and lunches.  Compensation is mandatory to cover any work related costs associated with the students work term.  

Brainstorming with students can help you and your team learn and provide a fresh perspective.  Ask for their input and ask them why they think the way they do.

When a student does not know how to do something, it is encouraged that students are encouraged to approach with several ideas and find the solution(s). In some cases, asking the student to research possible solutions and then come to the next meeting prepared to present their findings, provides students with invaluable opportunity to develop professionally.

It is important to publicize the students work term within your organization, including senior management, potential mentors within the area and supervisors. Wide range support across the organization helps establish accountability to students and demonstrates that senior managers are supportive of the program.