Software Systems

Experience the Future

Software Systems Co-op is an optional program for students designed to integrate working semesters within their undergraduate degrees. Over 75% of students within the program choose to participate and complete 3 to 4 work terms prior to graduation.

The Computing Science Program at SFU is one of the top programs in Canada and our students are hired at some of the most prominent employers in BC, Canada and the world. The Software Systems program is an applied area of Computer Science that focuses on the development of high-quality software for public and private industry. It is a practical, hands-on program delivered through a combination of lectures, case studies, and individual and team projects. Our co-op students have an understanding of the software development life cycle including testing and verification, documentation, and revision control, all of which are needed to take projects from conception to delivery.

WATCH: Global Relay on hiring SFU Software Systems Co-op students.

Past Co-op
Work Terms

SAMPLE CO-OP POSITIONS

  • Accessibility Analyst
  • AI Developer
  • Application Developer
  • Back-end Developer
  • Digital Application Developer
  • Firmware Engineer
  • Front-end Developer
  • IT Support
  • Product Verification
  • QA Test Developer

 
 

  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Video Compression
  • Technical Writer
  • VR Developer
  • Web Developer

What Our
Students
Study

All Software Systems graduates develop a set of core skills in these areas:

FUNDAMENTALS

  • Computing protocols
  • Organization
  • Limitations and restrictions 
  • Ethical decision making

SYSTEMS

  • Mathematics
  • Writing
  • Theoretical computing

SOFTWARE ENGINEERING

  • Group programming
  • Time and resource constraints
  • Project management
  • Version control
  • Coding practices

See comprehensive course list →

Employer Questions

What is the hiring process?

Follow the link below to view the process of hiring our Co-op students and the best time to hire:

https://www.sfu.ca/hire/coop/interested.html

How do I post a job?

For self-posting, follow the instructions by reviewing the provided link: https://www.sfu.ca/hire/coop/hiring.html

If you have difficulties posting a job posting, you can also contact us fascoop@sfu.ca and we will post it on your behalf.

What information do you need in a job description?

  • Company name
  • Company profile 
  • Website URL
  • Posting Contact person 
  • Address / location of Co-op job
  • Job Title 
  • Number of positions available 
  • Deadline for students to apply (10-14 days from posting date is recommended)
  • Co-op work term duration (4, 8, or 12 months) and approx start date and end date
  • Salary (hourly wage or monthly salary)
  • Detailed Co-op job responsibilities, duties, and experience required

What happens after I post a job?

Within 24-48 hours (M-F), we will review and approve your posting, and you will receive a notification from FAS Co-op confirming your posting is live.  You will be able to log in to view number of applicants. Furthermore, the next working day after the deadline you will receive the application bundle or you can download all applications in one bundle

How do I schedule an interview?

After you have reviewed all applications, and would like us to assist with scheduling student interviews, please email fascoop@sfu.ca with your short list of candidates & interview details, and we will set up and confirm interviews for you. 

Please fill in and return the Interview Schedule form.

Can I schedule my own interview?

Yes, you are welcome to schedule your own interview if logistically that will work better for your process. We do ask that you keep us updated with your progress and send us a copy of your interview shortlist candidates for our records.

How do I send a job offer?

After interviews are complete, please let us know whom you would like to make an offer to, and provide us with the offer details listed below. We will extend your offer to the selected student on your behalf, and the student will have 24 hours (M-F) to make a decision.  Our office will then let you know the student's decision as soon as we receive it.

Please note that ALL OFFERS must come through the SFU Faculty of Applied Sciences (FAS) Co-op office fascoop@sfu.ca (not extended directly to students).

  • Student Name
  • Position
  • Start Date
  • End Date 
  • Duration
  • Salary
  • Work Schedule 

Did not find the answer to your question?

Please take a look at FAQs for general Co-op questions.