I signed up for the co-op orientation course but I'm just wondering what kind of jobs are available to first years. Most of the stuff we learn is pretty generic so I'm not sure how I could apply it at work.

I have no work experience at all other than with family and I'm hoping I can finally get something to put on my resume. I got good marks first term and just want any job this summer, what should I expect to be within my grasp - if anything?

1) Venture or Leap is a good start and gives you stuff to put on your resume.
2) Apply like mad to what you are interested in. Aka you like electrical...apply to electrical jobs. I honestly would not expect to really get anything.

Btw apply now. Like tonight. Most companies have filled a large number of their positions but some still remain and you have a chance If you get resumes out preferably before the start of Friday. January is a hiring blitz so take advantage but wait another week and you wont get anything.

They will explain that at the co-op orientation. It's very informative, the woman that teaches it is very helpful, also you can always set up an appointment.

Honestly, nobody really wants to hire first years. Most places are even hesitant on second years.

Go ahead and try and apply, but if you aren't getting any calls back, perhaps work on improving your skills in whatever you're studying by doing your own side projects. This will be much more attractive to employers down the road than a student who's essentially a blank slate with decent marks will be.

Not to be discouraging but other than leap/venture and people with connections i personally did not meet anyone who got a co-op job first year. But still apply like crazy, if you have skills you may get lucky

It's usually only possible to get a co-op position after first year if you have a strong network of people in the right positions in their organizations who can get you hired for a very junior level position. Besides that, you'll probably be waiting like most to finish their 3rd year and get into an internship of some duration.

The best thing to do, especially when just starting out, is to apply for anything and everything and go with whoever will take you, (pretty much) regardless of the job.

It might sound odd, but don't be concerned about your passions or your interests, or even what you've studied or plan on studying, just apply apply apply. If you get your first choice (or even a good choice) that's awesome, but otherwise you still get the experience.

Future employers (i.e. the people you WANT to work for) will put your experience above all else, so your best strategy is to load up early on, even if it's not really "in your field".

I hated my summer jobs when I was starting out (I graduated in 2012), and always bitched that they weren't in my field and weren't "real engineering work." However the experience from those jobs lead DIRECTLY into my current job, which I love. So don't worry too much about what the job is at this point, just do the best you can with what's out there for you.