What can supervisors do to ensure a successful co-op term for students? The 4Cs of supervision success for next generation talent

By: Namish Modi (he/him)

Waterloo’s Work-Learn Institute shares research-based tips for supervisors

What can supervisors do to ensure a successful co-op term for students? Research from Waterloo’s Work-Learn Institute (WxL), points to a 4C model for successful supervision.

The 4C model was the central theme of Co-operative and Experiential Education’s (CEE) latest Future Ready Workforce Series virtual webinar on September 20. The model identifies actions related to creating, communicating, connecting and caring that supervisors can do to support their students and other emerging talent.

The event theme was Research-based tips for supervising emerging talent. Ashley Stegelmeier (MSc’17), director of product development at Ceragen, joined WxL leaders and researchers Anne Fannon, Dave Drewery and Simone Holligan. The group shared insights into managing co-op students from their research and real-world experiences.

Research WxL conducted with co-op students and their employers showed that by focusing on the 4C model, supervisors can help ensure success.

What are the components of the 4C model of WIL supervisor support?

1. Create meaningful work.

Students want their work to mean something. Supervisors can facilitate meaningful work by outlining the big picture, providing variety and autonomy, and inviting ideas. It is also important to acknowledge the student’s contributions and highlight skill development during co-op work terms.

“They (students) want to know how their work contributes to something bigger than themselves,” says Holligan, research associate at WxL.

Students may be reluctant to come forward with ideas unless welcomed to do so. Supervisors can help by encouraging students to pitch ideas for side projects or share their own initiatives with the team.

Tip: During onboarding, share why students’ work is important to the organization.

2. Communicate regularly and effectively.

Open lines of communication remain an important staple for any workplace. When employing co-op students, it is paramount. Set clear expectations, provide structure and guidance, and be available for one-on-one conversations and meetings. Providing regular feedback and welcoming communication from students are key.

According to WxL’s research, regular touchpoints with co-op students are often missed. Students want to communicate effectively with their supervisor while also receiving constructive feedback.

“Students need to know they can bring their issues (to supervisors), little or big,” says Holligan.

Tip: Maintain a two-way conversation with your co-op student. Consider weekly check-ins using chat rather than email with messaging apps such as Teams or Slack.

3. Connect students to the organization.

Students want to feel valued in their roles. To establish a connection, supervisors can share information about the organization, bring people together and offer mentorship.

Mentorship means helping students navigate the political landscape of the organization. It also means helping to build meaningful connections. "Helping students think about how the work they are doing connects to a broader career plan is important,” says Drewery, associate director at WxL.

Providing strong mentorship programs can help students to understand their place within an organization. At the same time, it can help students work toward a role with greater responsibility. Mentorship also helps the supervisor to build skills and opportunities — especially if they are looking to hire the students full-time in the future.

Tip: Develop a mentorship program for students while ensuring they have opportunities to connect with the team. Mentorship opportunities can also happen through social activities, both in-person or online.

4. Care about student experiences.

Supportive supervisors should provide time for development and foster belonging. When a supervisor takes the time to match challenge and skill, learn about interests and help students career plans it demonstrates their care for the student’s experience during their work term.

“Connect students with people in the organization who may have similar interests and backgrounds,” says Drewery.

Tip: Discuss career paths, both in and beyond your company, with students. Show how their individual work adds value to the organization.