Think of your co-op experience as a maze. At first glance, the twists and turns can be overwhelming, but with the right map, tools, and guidance, you’ll move through it with confidence. Each step you take is a chance to learn and grow, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At GREAT, we’re here to guide you, making sure you stay on track toward your goals while developing valuable skills that will help you succeed long after your co-op ends. Here are 5 tips to get you started:

1. Map Your Route (Start with a Plan)

Before you step into the maze, you need to know where you’re headed. Setting clear goals at the beginning of your co-op helps you stay focused and ensures you’re working toward what matters most. Whether your goal is to develop specific technical skills, explore a career path, or expand your professional network, we work with you to create a strategy that aligns your co-op with your aspirations. Our career advisors help you map out these goals and provide the framework to achieve them throughout your placement.

2. Find Your Path (Show Initiative)

In a maze, standing still isn’t an option—you have to keep moving forward. The same applies to your co-op. This is your chance to prove your skills, but it’s also a time to take the initiative. Don’t wait for assignments—seek out new opportunities to contribute, ask questions, and offer help. We’re here to coach you on how to take ownership of your role and demonstrate your eagerness to grow. By showing your proactive attitude, you’ll not only gain valuable experience but also stand out to your supervisors as someone ready to take on more responsibility.

3. Build Bridges (Make Connections)

As you navigate the maze, you’ll encounter people who can guide you, offer advice, or even point you toward the next opportunity. One of the best parts of a co-op is the professional network you’ll build along the way. We connect you with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals who can offer valuable insights into your field. Through networking events and mentorship programs, our team can help you form relationships that go beyond your co-op placement—relationships that could lead to future job opportunities or continued career support.

4. Sharpen Your Tools (Strengthen Your Skill Set)

While you’re navigating the maze, you’ll need the right tools. Your co-op is an ideal time to develop both technical and soft skills that will help you succeed in any professional environment. Whether it’s refining your communication, teamwork, or time management, or mastering industry-specific tools and software, we provide the workshops, coaching, and mentorship you need to build a strong foundation.

5. Step Back and Reassess (Learn and Grow)

Sometimes, the path through the maze isn’t clear. In those moments, taking a step back to reflect can be incredibly valuable. We encourage you to regularly assess your progress and seek feedback from your supervisors and peers. This reflection helps you recognize where you’ve succeeded, where you can improve, and how to adjust your approach to keep moving forward. We’re here to support you throughout this process, helping you turn feedback into actionable steps and ensuring that you’re constantly learning and growing during your co-op.

A co-op may feel like a maze—full of unexpected turns and new challenges—but we’re here to help you stay on track, offering support when things get tricky and ensuring you have the right tools to continue progressing. By the time you complete your co-op, you’ll have a clearer path forward, equipped with skills and experiences to guide you on your career journey.

Reach out to learn more about co-op opportunities available to you!