The co-op program manager mentors the students on their soft skills, professional development, and consistency throughout the program. As the student begins their engineering track, the manager will appoint the student to a mentor who will provide guidance on the company's organizational culture and professional development.
Both the mentor and co-op program manager will guide the student through their experience and help them grow professionally while developing organizational talent. High performance, valuable contributions, and professional skills make the co-op experience beneficial for everyone. A mutual commitment of everyone involved develops the skills, abilities, and behaviors. The mentor and program manager contribute by providing methods for the student to engage in the work environment while the student's contribution involves an openness to learning.
Integral parts of the learning process are clear communication of the company expectations, commitment from the mentor, and follow-up on the student's progress. By providing the student with continual feedback – plus formal performance reviews – the student will have a clear understanding of their progress and areas that need improvement. The mentor and co-op program manager will help the student succeed by creating opportunities and sharing knowledge in formal and informal settings.
The Mentor and Co-Op Program Manager will:
- Prepare and plan for a valuable learning experience for the student.
- Communicate goals for the co-op assignment and performance exceptions.
- Show commitment to the student by providing necessary training, tools, and resources for their tasks and projects.
- Meet regularly with the student and provide feedback on performance and productivity.
- Encourage the student to participate in professional activities.
- Address any concerns or issues in a timely and professional manner.
- Provide a performance evaluation for the student and to the student's university.
- Wear many hats and play many roles, such as the communicator, counselor, coach, adviser, and primary contact.
The mentors and co-op program manager meet regularly with their co-op students for coaching and updates. The mentors communicate regularly with the co-op program manager for updates and follow-up, reviewing the co-op's Individual Development Plan (IDP), and discussing their student's progress.
Individual Development Plan:
The mentor is responsible for creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP) for the student, thus "customizing" the student's co-op experience. The student's progress on the IDP will be monitored by the mentor throughout the student's rotation to ensure their success. The IDP and the student's progress provide a basis for the student's evaluation a the end of the rotation.