Steps to Hire a Students

If you are interested in hiring a co-op student here is a list of steps to consider when starting the hiring process.


1) Questions? If you have questions about posting a job for Technology Co-op students, please connect with a Technology Co-op Coordinator who can assist you with job description details, the timing of posting, and updates on current students who are available.


2) Post Co-op Position
Email careereducation@tru.ca with the following information:
i. Application deadline
ii. Information on how you want to receive student applications. Do you want students to apply directly through your website? Or Do you want TRU to collect applications and then email them to you on the application deadline?
iii. Which supporting application documents do you want students to accept:

  1. Cover letter
  2. Resume
  3. Unofficial transcripts
  4. After the application closing date, you’ll review and shortlist applications.
  5. Conduct interviews and determine who you want to hire.
  6. Select top candidate
  7. Make a job offer to the top candidate (students have 24 hours to accept a position)
  8. Once a position is accepted, please update a Technology Co-op Coordinator with your hiring decision.
  9. Career and Experiential Learning will request a copy of the job offer from the student so we can start the process of registering the student for a Co-op Work Term.

Benefits for employers to hiring tourism students: 

Employers can derive several benefits from hiring a tourism co-op student. Here are some advantages: 

1. Fresh perspectives and enthusiasm: Tourism co-op students bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to the workplace. As they are still in the learning phase, they are eager to apply their knowledge and contribute to the organization. Their enthusiasm can inject new energy into the team and foster a positive work environment. 

2. Industry-relevant skills: Co-op students in tourism programs receive education that is directly applicable to the industry. They have learned specific skills and knowledge related to areas such as customer service, event planning, hospitality management, tourism marketing, and destination management. By hiring a co-op student, employers gain access to individuals with up-to-date skills and knowledge that align with the needs of the tourism sector. 

3. Cost-effective solution: Hiring a co-op student can be a cost-effective solution for employers, particularly for short-term projects or seasonal demand. Co-op students often work on a temporary basis and may receive academic credit for their placement instead of a regular salary. This allows employers to benefit from additional help and support without incurring significant financial expenses. 

4. Talent pipeline and recruitment strategy: Hiring co-op students allows employers to establish a talent pipeline and a proactive recruitment strategy. It gives employers an opportunity to evaluate potential future employees and identify individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills and fit well within the organization’s culture. Employers can consider offering full-time employment to co-op students who prove themselves during their placement. 

5. Knowledge transfer and innovation: Co-op students bring the latest theoretical knowledge and industry trends to the workplace. They may have been exposed to innovative ideas and concepts during their academic studies that can be valuable to the organization. By integrating co-op students into the team, employers can benefit from knowledge transfer and potentially leverage new ideas and approaches to enhance their operations. 

6. Reduced training time and investment: Hiring a co-op student who has completed relevant coursework means they already possess a foundational understanding of the tourism industry. They may require less training and orientation compared to someone with no background in the field. Employers can save time and resources by utilizing the existing knowledge and skills of co-op students, allowing them to contribute to the organization more quickly. 

7. Diversity and inclusion: Co-op programs often attract a diverse group of students, including individuals from various cultural backgrounds. Hiring co-op students promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace, leading to a broader range of perspectives and ideas. This diversity can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall team dynamics. 

By hiring tourism co-op students, employers gain access to a pool of motivated individuals with industry-specific skills, contribute to their development and education, and potentially identify future talent for their organization. It is a mutually beneficial arrangement that fosters growth and success for both employers and co-op students.