Sustainable Energy Engineering Co-op
New Students
Documentation
All students must ensure they have the necessary documents to be legally entitled to work on a Co-op term:
- Social Insurance Number: For information about how to obtain a SIN, review the "Applying for a Social Insurance Number (SIN)" page by International Services for Students (ISS)
- MSP registration: For information about the medical insurance that students need, including while on a co-op term, review the SFU Medical Insurance pag
International students: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires that students who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents apply for a Co-op work permit in order to be eligible to work off campus in a full time position. This is different than a Study Permit. For instructions on how to apply and what the processing times are, review the "Apply for a Co-op/Internship Work Permit" page by International Services for Students (ISS).
The Co-op office must have a copy of your valid co-op work permit prior to students being released to apply for Co-op positions.
Co-op Timeline
A student’s co-op timeline is determined by the term that they are admitted into the SEE program. For example, students following the 4-year curriculum will begin preparing for co-op in the spring term of year 1. Students must complete at least one co-op term before taking SEE 310, and at least two co-op work terms before enrolling in their Capstone.
Orientation
Upon a student’s admission into the SEE program they are automatically enrolled in the Co-op program (co-op application fee applies) and receive an invitation to join the Surrey Co-op 100: Orientation Canvas course. This self-paced, online Canvas course covers essential information about the Co-op program process, success strategies, and details about your participation in the program.
Preparation
As a student enters their second term of the SEE program they will automatically be enrolled (as per the 4-year program schedule) in the Surrey Co-op 101: Preparation Canvas course (7 weeks, 3-5 hours per week). The Prep course provides support for resumes, cover letters and interviews, along with coaching from your faculty's Co-op Career Advisors.
After successfully completing the Surrey Co-op 101: Preparation course and fulfilling all of the requirements, students will be eligible to apply for co-op jobs in the following term. Co-op work terms are not guaranteed. Students need to apply for posted positions actively, and employers determine who to interview and hire.
Please note that students are required to
- complete a minimum of three co-op work terms
- complete two co-op work terms prior to the Capstone course (prerequisite)
- must graduate on an academic term, not a co-op work term
Successful completion of three co-op work terms earns the co-op designation on the degree parchment.