(30% of final grade in Co-op)
Towards the end of each semester (or at the end of each quadmester if you are doing a 1 credit afternoon placement during the school day), you will meet with one of the Co-op teachers for a 15 minute oral examination. While it is not necessary to "study" for this exam as though it were for an 'academic' course, the following outline will give you some idea of what to expect in order to prepare yourself. If you wish, you may make notes and bring them to the exam in order to 'refresh' your memory while you speak. Or, you may choose simply to speak without any notes.
You will be asked to discuss some or all of the following:
- What are the most important skills that you learned (or are still learning) in your job?
- Which skills are you best at?
- Which skills need improvement?
- Which skills do you think are most 'transferable' to other jobs?
- In terms of the 'linking' course and generic Co-op expectations your Personal Placement Learning Plan, describe some of the specific skills that you learned and demonstrated in your job that connect with the PPLP expectations. (Note: the teacher will help you at this point in the exam by describing and explaining the PPLP expections and suggesting some possible connections for you to expand on)
- Suggest at least one thing that you would need to learn--or get better at--if you were to continue in your job.
- What is the most important thing that you have learned about yourself in your job?
- What knowledge or skills that you have gained in your job would you add to an exit resume?
The teacher may also ask you to summarize some of the other important learnings that you have acquired in your job. Whether your experience in the job is good or bad, this is an opportunity for you to reflect on and to demonstrate the connections you have made between the workplace and your linking course.
Part II: Reference Letter
Instructions: Write a reference letter about YOURSELF ready for your employer to sign (you do not actually have to get your employer to sign the letter, but be honest enough so that, if required, he/she would be able to do so).
Include in your letter:
1. Three skills that you have developed.
2. Two personal achievements.
3. Two concluding comments on how you have been an asset to the organization.
Be sure to back up each statement with detailed examples from the workplace.
Write the letter in business style format, paying close attention to spelling and grammar.
