As the Cooperative Education Officer, I meet regularly with HFC graduates. They are struggling to find entry-level jobs, even though they already have their degree. Their biggest gripe is that they have tried applying for entry-level positions and have been turned down because they lack experience. They ask, “How am I supposed to get experience if no one will give me a job?” One thing that most of them have in common, is that they never did a co-op or internship while they were still in school. Doing a co-op or internship has countless benefits for you, as the student.

First, and foremost, you will have 6 months to 1 year of experience and a degree upon graduation. Second, you will figure out earlier if the career path that you’ve chosen is the right one for you. If you love it and succeed in your position, the company might hire you permanently (85 percent of off-campus co-op students at HFC transition to a permanent position within their company upon graduation).

If you’re compelled to take this advice, you should be looking for openings now. Co-op positions and internships are like scholarships; they have a deadline, and it’s earlier than you may think. Companies post their summer student positions as early as autumn the year before. Companies do this so that they can start recruiting for open positions at the Fall Semester career fairs. Although some in-demand positions close their application process in October, there is still hope if you haven’t applied yet! The majority of applications are accepted in February and March. Use your time wisely over winter break and start searching for opportunities to get yourself the experience that connects to your program of study