The Business Co-op Corner

The use of AI has become increasingly prevalent in the job search process, from resume screening and tailoring resumes and cover letters to supporting job applications. However, using AI without intention or strategy can actually harm your chances and make the job search less effective. In this article, I speak with Michelle Height, Career Education Coordinator at the CWIL Office, who brings over 20 years of experience in recruitment and technology to share her insights on using AI thoughtfully and effectively in your co-op job search.

As winter settles in, returning to job search or a work term isn’t always easy. Short days, cold temperatures, and limited sunlight can take a toll on motivation. We asked members of the CWIL team to share their best tips for staying productive through the winter blues. From building healthy routines to staying energized on low-sun days, here are a few ideas from our office to help you start the term strong:

I asked some of the CWIL staff to share their best tips on networking! Whether you’re starting a new co-op term, back on campus, or heading to an industry event, building connections can sometimes feel intimidating. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be, networking is simply about meeting people, sharing ideas, and finding common ground. Here are a few tips from our office to help you get started: 

Coming to the end of a co-op or study term is the perfect time to pause and reflect on how much you’ve grown professionally and personally. Here are some tips from the Careers and Work Integrated Learning office to help you make sense of your progress and understand your next steps to ensure you turn your growth into long-term momentum! 

Before you can start building a strong professional presence, it’s important to understand what personal branding truly means. While it may sound like a buzzword, it’s simply the journey of figuring out who you are and how you want others to see you show up in the world. Whether you’re applying for co-op terms, navigating student clubs or making an effort in classes, a personal brand is what can help you stand out and make lasting impressions. Read to see what Paul Taylor, MBA Career Coach and Educator, has to share about personal branding!

Co-op work terms can be challenging to navigate as you are exposed to new environments, new processes, a new culture and new people. The Careers and Work Integrated Learning team has some great tips to share to help you make the most out of your co-op experience!

As you begin your co-op work term search, it's important to understand how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the job market. From resume screening to interview scheduling, AI now plays a significant role in the hiring process. While these tools can simplify your search, they also raise important ethical considerations. To explore how students can navigate these technologies responsibly and ensure a fair, transparent, and effective job search, we spoke with Chandler Holyoak, Employer/Community Specialist with Career and Work Integrated Learning and gathered his insights surrounding this topic. 

We interviewed Justin Pritchard, MBA Career Coach and Educator, on the importance of workplace wellness. Keep reading to find out more about Justin’s best practices regarding setting boundaries, taking breaks, workplace friendships and more!

We asked the CWIL office how they like to unwind after a busy day, week and/or semester at the School of Business! See their best tips below and take what resonates to use in your upcoming break! 

Amber Nicholson is the Manager for the Careers and Work Integrated Learning team at the Alberta School of Business and oversees a team of over 15 talented people! Read about Amber’s perspective on effective leadership and the importance of professional development, emotional intelligence, and quality over quantity.

Whether you’re in midterms or in the midst of your work projects, stress can be a powerful emotion that can leave you feeling quite unmotivated and lost. Here are some stress management tips from the CWIL office!

We asked some of the CWIL staff for their tips on easing back into a routine! We understand that schedules can be quite inconsistent over summertime and it isn’t always a linear road to getting back into old habits. Here is some wise advice from our office: 

We've compiled a list of stress management tips from your very own CWIL team. Explore their tried-and-tested methods on crushing stress. 

Bringing her wealth of expertise, Melanie’s here to share her tips on launching your Co-op Career journey, finding balance during your work search, and offering other words of encouragement. 

Michelle Height, a Career Education Coordinator and Business Communication Instructor is here to provide you some tips on finding work-life balance!

Are you ready to explore beyond the horizons, not only in your career but also across international borders? Well, it turns out you can do both simultaneously! The idea of pursuing your co-op abroad may be a hidden gem, often overlooked or unknown to students. But hold tight, as Ciara Murrin is here to share why this path is worth venturing into.  

Chandler Holyoak, Employer and Community Partner Outreach Specialist for the School of Business’ Careers and Work Integrated Learning (CWIL) team and master networker, is here to share words of wisdom to help you navigate this often intimidating activity.