Co-operative Education

What is Co-op?

Co-operative Education is an educational model that formally integrates academic experience with paid employment. The standard co-op program consists of academic study alternating with work experience in degree-relevant fields.

The outcomes

  • Grow your network
  • Prepare for your job search
  • Earn an income while advancing your degree
  • Find the career you want to pursue
  • Gain confidence in your abilities
  • Develop degree and industry-relevant skills

Roadmap to Co-op


START HERE TO MAKE CO-OP PART OF YOUR POST-SECONDARY EXPERIENCE

1

UNDERSTAND IF IT'S FOR YOU

Think about how co-op can benefit you and where it fits within your post-secondary experience by reviewing our roadmap.

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2

CONNECT WITH US

Contact your co-op program office directly or meet with a co-op advisor for one-on-one support. Co-op staff are available in-person or virtually.

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3

PREPARE TO APPLY

Know the application fees, tuition, deadlines and program-specific requirements. Be familiar with the process for applying to co-op, and next steps from your program.

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4

JOIN CO-OP AND SEEK JOBS

Gain insight into what happens after applying, and what to expect while participating in the program. Find tips for planning your timeline to ensure you get the most from co-op experiences.

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Attend a co-op
info session



GET AN OVERVIEW OF THE CO-OP PROGRAM

Co-op Programs offer info sessions in the first month of every term. Hear from senior students about their Co-op journey, learn about career options, and know what to expect when joining the program.

EXPLORE AND RSVP

Speak with
co-op staff



Have your questions answered

Co-op staff are available for you to visit in-person or virtually. Get in contact with your co-op program office directly or meet with a co-op advisor for one-on-one support.

GET SUPPORT

What Co-op can do for you

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Grow Your Industry Network

Co-op creates professional relationships with real industry connections. Along with experience, you’ll leave work terms with potential references, new LinkedIn connections, and in some cases, an offer for full-time employment upon graduation.

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Prepare for your job search

Co-op is more than simply a job-placement program—it is an educational experience that facilitates job placement with purpose. The program helps you prepare your resume, cover letter, and interview skills to ensure you put your best foot forward.

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Find the career you want to pursue

Co-op gives you the tools and experiences that allow you to reflect on your career and pivot if necessary. This is why we recommend that students complete work terms with at least two seperate employers, adding up to three full terms of work experience.

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Earn an income

Co-op opportunities are different from "internships" in that they offer real work experiences with actual compensation. They can be a great way to take a break from your studies for one or two terms to earn an income, and apply your knowledge from your degree program.

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Gain Confidence in your abilities

Co-op creates a unique, supportive environment where you are only competing with other co-op students for job placements, as opposed to the broader job market. Employers provide mentorship and training to foster learning outcomes during work terms.

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Develop industry-relevant skills

Co-op smooths the transition from the academic world to the working world, by allowing you to apply your classroom knowledge to the workplace. Students also gain new perspectives from their work term when returning to the classroom, further contextualizing studies.

Apply to Co-op

Start your application

Are you ready?