Networking (with Dylan Deppiesse): CPS/CAMD Co-op Bootcamp
- Date
- 2024-02-29
- Host
- Co-op & Job Search Bootcamp (Northeastern Vancouver: CPS & CAMD)
About this event
Co-op recruiting can feel confusing even when you know it matters. This bootcamp is designed to make the process more concrete: how to show up well, how to build stronger connections, and how to approach networking in a way that actually helps you land opportunities in CPS and CAMD-related paths. This is not a vague panel or a generic career talk. It is a focused, in-person networking bootcamp with Dylan Deppiesse, built for students who want clearer tactics, better questions, and more confidence before they step into co-op conversations. About the Event Networking is one of the most important parts of the co-op process, but it is also one of the least intuitive. Many students know they should be meeting people, reaching out, and building relationships, yet are unsure how to begin or what effective networking really looks like in practice. This event is meant to close that gap. The bootcamp will center on practical guidance for CPS and CAMD students who want to approach co-op preparation with more strategy and less guesswork. Rather than treating networking as a separate skill, the session will connect it directly to the co-op search: identifying opportunities, making meaningful introductions, following up professionally, and creating momentum over time. Because the event is in person, attendees can expect a more active and conversational format than a passive online session. That matters for a topic like networking. It gives you the chance to listen, ask questions, and practice being present in the kinds of real interactions that often shape internship and co-op outcomes. Whether you are just starting to think about co-op or already preparing applications, this event is built to help you move from uncertainty to action. What to Expect The session will focus on networking through the lens of co-op readiness. Expect a structured experience that helps you think about both the big picture and the immediate next steps you can take after the event. You can likely expect a mix of: Guidance on how networking fits into the CPS/CAMD co-op process Advice on making a strong first impression in professional settings Strategies for starting conversations and asking better questions Insight into how to follow up after meeting someone Space to think about how to present your interests, skills, and goals clearly Because this is a bootcamp, the tone should feel practical and action-oriented. The goal is not just to inspire you to network more. The goal is to help you understand what to do, how to do it, and why small improvements in your approach can make a real difference. There is also value in being in a room with other students who are preparing for similar next steps. Even informal conversations before or after the session can help you compare notes, hear how others are approaching co-op, and expand your own sense of what is possible. If you have ever left a career event feeling like you heard useful ideas but still did not know what to do next, this event aims to be more grounded than that. You should walk away with clearer mental models, stronger language for talking about yourself, and a better sense of how to turn networking into a repeatable habit. Why Attend If you are serious about co-op, networking is not optional. Applications matter, but relationships, referrals, timing, and visibility often shape which opportunities you hear about and how confidently you pursue them. Learning how to network well can help you open doors earlier and with less friction. This bootcamp is especially useful because it connects networking to a specific outcome: being better prepared for CPS/CAMD co-op opportunities. That focus makes the advice more relevant than broad career guidance. You are not just learning how to introduce yourself in theory. You are learning how to do it in a context that affects your next academic and professional step. Attending can help you: Build confidence before reaching out to employers, alumni, or peers Understand how to make networking feel more natural and less transactional Improve the way you talk about your background, interests, and goals Prepare for conversations that may lead to co-op leads, advice, or referrals Leave with practical next steps instead of abstract motivation There is also a confidence benefit that is easy to overlook. The more exposure you have to these conversations, the easier they become. Showing up to a focused, in-person event like this can make future networking events, informational chats, and recruiting moments feel far less intimidating. For many students, the hardest part is simply getting started. This event gives you a useful place to do that with purpose. Practical Details This is an in-person event taking place on Wednesday, February 28 at 4:30 PM PST. If you learn best by being in the room, hearing examples live, and engaging directly with others, that format is a real advantage. Since the event centers on networking and co-op preparation, it is worth arriving ready to participate. Think about the questions you have, the parts of the co-op process that feel unclear, and the way you currently introduce yourself when someone asks what you are interested in. You do not need to have everything figured out before attending, but having a few thoughts prepared will help you get more from the session. A few ways to prepare: Reflect on where you are in your co-op search or planning process Bring questions about networking, outreach, or professional conversations Be ready to talk briefly about your interests within CPS, CAMD, or related fields Plan to stay present and engaged, not just observe from the sidelines If networking has felt abstract, awkward, or easy to postpone, this is a good chance to make it more manageable. Show up ready to learn, ask sharper questions, and leave with a more useful approach to building the relationships that support your co-op goals.
Who should attend
This is for you if you want a more practical, less intimidating way to approach co-op networking. - You are a **CPS or CAMD student** preparing for co-op and want clearer guidance on how networking actually fits into the process. - You know networking matters, but you are not sure **how to start conversations, what to say, or how to follow up** without feeling awkward or scripted. - You are early in your co-op journey and want to build a strong foundation before application deadlines and recruiting conversations become more urgent. - You are already applying or planning to apply and want to improve how you **present your interests, skills, and goals** in person. - You learn best through **live, in-person sessions** where you can ask questions, hear concrete advice, and pick up on what effective professional communication looks like. - You want to meet other students who are thinking seriously about co-op and be in a room where the conversation is focused, relevant, and useful. You do not need to be an extrovert or already confident at networking. If you are willing to show up, participate, and sharpen your approach, this bootcamp is built to help.