The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering co-operative education program combines relevant job experience with classroom studies. Students complete (3) three co-op work term semesters, working in research and development, industrial/manufacturing facilities, often designing and building real products. Students must complete their Co-op requirements and return for at least one final semester of academic courses.

Our mandatory undergraduate Co-op program with the School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering is part of the Faculty of Applied Sciences at SFU. The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering students should review the Co-op Requirements for the program and look to plan your studies with co-op in mind.

Our Co-op program offers opportunities, which enhance a student's employability after graduation. We work with our students to help them prepare their co-op job search strategy and materials, conduct professional interviews, and support the exploration and development of their career goals. Our students secure work terms across Canada, in the Silicon Valley, and internationally in places such as Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Taiwan and China.

Students

All students are automatically enrolled into Co-op when they are enrolled into the Mechatronic Systems Engineering program. It is mandatory for students to complete three (3) semesters of co-op within their degree as part of MSE.

Employers

Looking to hire a Mechatronic Systems Engineering student? Click the button below to learn more information.

Co-op Student Stage

What Co-op stage are you at? Select the one that applies to you:

New Students
Seeking Students
Working Students

How It Works

Your co-op experience includes three work terms in research or industrial facilities, often designing and building real products. After completing your co-op requirements, you’ll return to campus for at least one final academic term.

At least two of your three mandatory co-op terms must be completed in industry (MSE 293, 393, 493). Students may participate in additional work terms but are encouraged to seek diversity in their experience. The three mandatory work terms may include one special co-op term (MSE 294,394 494). Special co-op may include, but is not restricted to, student-directed, entrepreneurial, service or research co-op work terms. Permission of the MSE co-op office is required. 

  • MSE 293 - Co-op Practicum l (1st Work Term)
  • MSE 393 - Co-op Practicum ll (2nd Work Term)
  • MSE 493 - Co-op Practicum lll (3rd Work Term) 

An optional non-technical work term (MSE 193) is also available through the MSE co-op education office and is often completed after the first two study terms. MSE 193 does not count toward the mandatory three-course requirement.

The MSE co-op program can also seek opportunities for students wishing to complete their thesis requirements in an industrial setting.

Why It Works

Co-op enhances a student's employability after graduation. We work with our students to help them prepare their job search strategies and materials, conduct professional interviews and support the exploration and development of their career goals. Our students secure work terms across Canada, in Silicon Valley, and internationally in places such as Germany, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.

Here are some of the additional benefits of co-op:

  • Gaining a competitive advantage in the marketplace
  • Applying classroom learning in practical situations
  • Building a strong application for graduate studies
  • Exploring different career options
  • Working locally, nationally or internationally
  • Gaining job interview practice
  • Expanding your professional network
  • Experiencing different work environments
  • Developing “soft” skills, including communication and time management
  • Building your resume
  • Gaining relevant work experience 
  • Helping to finance your studies

Growing up in India, Mechatronic Systems Engineering student Ginelle Nazareth would watch her engineer father fix things in their house and aspired to follow in his footsteps. “His approach was always very methodical,” she says. “To an outsider it seems amazing; almost magical, but then you realize it’s just simple, logical steps.” 

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