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Communication Co-op
Prospective Students
Not sure where your Communication studies will take you?
Co-op offers the opportunity to try out different areas within the communication industry. Through working with your Co-op Coordinators, you’ll be coached to develop job search tools and transition into the workplace. On the job, you’ll be paid by your employer while learning hands-on skills. Plan your degree to alternate between work terms and study terms, and graduate with at least one year of relevant work experience. Building your skills and creating a professional network will enhance your opportunities for landing a job post-graduation.
Curious to know what Communication Co-op is like from a student perspective?
Application Requirements
School of Communication Student
- Pursuing or intending a major or minor in Communication.
- CMNS 110 and 130 completed or in progress.
- CMNS 120 completed prior to first work term.
*If you were declared into CMNS in Fall 2021 or earlier, CMNS 120 is not required for Co-op.
Academic Requirements
- Registered as a full-time student (minimum of 9 units)
- At least CGPA of 2.7
- Less than 80 units completed (Ideally apply between 24 and 70 units.)
- *If your CGPA is between 2.3 - 2.7 or if you have more than 80 units completed, please see a Co-op Coordinator to discuss your options - do not wait to apply.
Work Permits (International Students)
International students are required to obtain a valid Co-op work permit from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) before applying to SFU Co-op jobs. Once accepted into the Co-op program, you will be issued a letter to include in your work permit application. We recommend applying for the work permit as early as possible, as processing times can be lengthy.
Planning for Co-op
Your Timeline to Starting Communication Co-op
| TO START WORKING IN FALL | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| BY MIDDLE OF FEBRUARY | SPRING | SUMMER | FALL |
| 1) Apply to Co-op | 2) Complete Orientation and Workshops | 3) Apply to Co-op jobs | 4) Start Your First Work Term! |
| TO START WORKING IN SPRING | |||
| BY MIDDLE OF JUNE | SUMMER | FALL | SPRING |
| 1) Apply to Co-op | 2) Complete Orientation and Workshops | 3) Apply to Co-op jobs | 4) Start Your First Work Term! |
| TO START WORKING IN THE SUMMER | |||
| BY MIDDLE OF OCTOBER | FALL | SPRING | SUMMER |
| 1) Apply to Co-op | 2) Complete Orientation and Workshops | 3) Apply to Co-op jobs | 4) Start Your First Work Term! |
Things to Consider
- Students applying into the program should have a commitment to complete 3 or more work terms before graduation. Work terms should alternate with academic semesters and the final semester before graduation should be an academic semester.
- New students should ideally join Co-op two semesters prior to your first Co-op work placement, while also keeping in mind the requirements above.
- Searching for a Co-op work term is a lot like taking an extra course. Writing cover letters, preparing for and attending interviews can take a lot of time and effort but it pays off! We recommend taking a lighter course load during your seeking semesters.
- As Co-op can be competitive, it is a good idea to develop applied skills and experience now! Build skills in social media, event planning, writing, design, through volunteering, SFU clubs, part-time work, creative projects, and online tutorials.
- If you have any questions at any point, please connect with someone from the Communication Co-op team.
| Work in Fall 2024 |
Work in Spring 2025 |
Work in Summer 2025 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
Application Deadline |
February 1st, 2024 | June 1st, 2024 | October 1st, 2024 |
We’ll respond to you within 10 business days to advise you of your acceptance to the program. Communication Co-op has specific steps that you will need to complete in order to be fully approved into the program.