How to Score a University Co-op Scholarship – Zoe Diamond

I am a 3^rd year UNSW Accounting Co-op recipient. I was successful in securing both UNSW and UTS Co-op scholarships but chose to accept UNSW because of the university’s reputation in the industry and the opportunity to complete a third internship.  I have completed an internship at the NSW Treasury Corporation, worked as a Project Manager for Baycorp Australia, and am currently completing my second internship at Coca-Cola Amatil.  I have been offered graduate positions from all three firms.

What Co-op Programs are Looking For:

• Leaders
• Confidence
• Employment/volunteer experience (even if it is just at a fast food chain)
• Extracurricular activity involvement
• Awareness of the industry you are applying for
• Academic excellence

Applying for Co-op Programs

• Make sure you know the key dates so your application is not rushed
• Research the streams you wish to apply for
  E.g., For Accounting, you should research the different types of accounting, the Big 4 accounting firms, how accounting impacts all aspects of business, and the sponsors of the programs.
• If you are successful in obtaining an interview, knowing the sponsors and having done research on them is especially important as you will be interviewed by a sponsor who will want to know that you have a genuine passion for the industry.
• Make sure you plan and proofread your answers
• Be yourself! The Co-op Program is looking for genuine people who are committed. If you make out to be something that you are not, people will know.

Benefits of a Co-op Program

• Invaluable industry experience
• Financial support
• Becoming a highly attractive graduate in the recruitment market
• 100% graduate employment rate
• Most scholars are offered employment from their sponsors
• Many scholars are able to obtain part-time work from sponsors whilst undertaking university
• Academic and professional support from the Co-op administration team

Deciding to Accept a Co-op Scholarship

• The decision should not be made lightly
• There are high expectations of your performance
• Co-op minimum academic requirements can be difficult to maintain
• Do not accept a Co-op scholarship for the money – you have to work very hard for that money, it does not come for free!
• The UNSW Co-op Program has high dropout rates due to failure to meet academic standards, pressure and restrictions the program places on your course selection, holidays, etc.
• You must be passionate about the stream you are offered. If you would rather do something else, you should pursue this. The Co-op scholars that make it to the end never have any other options in their mind.

Differences between UNSW and UTS

I found it difficult to choose between the UNSW and UTS Co-op Programs. I encourage students to apply for both programs. However, you should be well-informed, as in the event that you have to choose between programs, this has to be a quick decision.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• • How I Scored An ATAR of 99.95 Without Maths – Natalie Buckett
  • How I Scored An ATAR of 99.95 – Karen Zhang for tips and tricks on HSC success
  • All About ATAR & Scaling to learn how to achieve your ATAR goal