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Being a Co-op Supervisor
Co-op students are just that, students, and through working for
you, they are gaining in maturity, experience and self-confidence. Keeping
that in mind, we have some suggestions on how you can build a supervisory relationship
that is positive and productive for both of you.
- Set things up so that students can get to work right away;
- Explain the rules. Students must know about work hours, safety, and confidentiality.
- Give clear direction. Students will most likely be unfamiliar with your
work and your work environment.
- Offer work that is professional and directly related to the student's
major. Challenge them.
- Give them responsibility. Let students have the authority to complete
the task.
- Put the work into perspective. Let students know how their work fits into
the overall project and goal.
- Make students part of the team. They need to feel that they are making
real contributions to the project and the organization.
- Encourage students to ask questions. Often, students ask too few questions
for fear of appearing incompetent.
- Reward and correct. When work is well done, say so. When expectations
are not met, correct constructively. Students need feedback and recognition.
- Don't let problems slide because students are only there for a semester.
This benefits neither the employer nor the students.
- If problems arise, follow company policy and attempt to work it out with
the student through appropriate channels. If you have questions or concerns,
contact the student's coordinator for assistance.
- Give students a level of responsibility they are ready to handle, and
then increase it steadily over this and subsequent work terms, as they gain
self-confidence
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