Experience Matters

The world is constantly changing and you need to be ready for what’s around the corner. Apply your skills, passion and education to a real-world setting through co-op. Leave a lasting impact while creating connections that lead to rewarding results.

You’ll graduate with a competitive edge and practical work experience on your resumé, and be on your way to achieving success in whatever you choose to do next.

Why Co-op?

• Develop skills and gain real-world experience.
• Explore your interests by working in different industries and positions.
• Earn money to help cover your expenses.
• Grow your professional network.

How Co-op Works

• Get paid while working for an employer for 12 to 16 weeks, on average.
• Alternate school and co-op work terms, typically working two, three or four co-op work terms throughout your program.
• Get assistance with career planning, job search and interview preparation.
• Apply to co-op job postings and attend interviews.
• Learn about business conduct and meeting employer expectations.
• Reflect on your learning through performance evaluations and work term reports.

Competitive Admission

Students in the following programs apply to co-op after first year. Admission is based on grades, work experience, volunteer and extracurricular activities, and an interview with the Co-op Office.

• Business Administration (BBA)
• Economics
• All programs in the Faculty of Arts (excluding International Education Studies)
• All programs in the Faculty of Science
• User Experience Design

Automatic Admission

Students in the following programs are automatically offered entry into co-op and register at the end of their first year.

• Business and Computer Science (Laurier) double degree
• Business and Financial Mathematics double degree
• Business Technology Management

Mandatory Co-op

Students in the following programs must participate in co-op as part of their degree requirements.

• Business and Mathematics double degree with University of Waterloo
• Business and Computer Science double degree with University of Waterloo

Average Weekly Salary

Note: Varies based on program, industry and location.

• Arts and Science programs: $622
• Business and Economics programs: $718–$867

Sample Co-op Jobs

• eCommerce Assistant Product Manager, Staples Canada
• Communications Assistant, Indigenous Services Canada
• Customer Marketing Assistant, Bayer Group
• Global Investment Banking Co-op Analyst, RBC Capital Markets
• Historical Interpreter, Waterloo Region Museum
• Internal Auditor, ATS Automation
• Recreation and Leisure Support Worker, The Safehaven Project for Community Living
• Sales Analyst, Smucker Foods of Canada
• Staff Accountant, Deloitte
• Software Developer, The Co-operators

Where Are Our Co-op Students Working?

Automotive and Manufacturing

• John Deere Canada Financial Inc.
• Linamar Corporation
• Nissan Canada
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing
• Yamaha Motor Canada

Community Services and Government

• Canada Revenue Agency
• KidsAbility
• Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs
• SickKids Foundation
• YMCA Canada

Consumer Packaged Goods

• IKEA Canada
• Kimberly-Clark Inc.
• Loblaw Companies Ltd.
• PepsiCo Canada
• SC Johnson Canada

CPA and Consulting

• BDO Canada LLP
• EY Canada
• KPMG
• Mercer Canada
• PwC Canada

Financial Services and Insurance

• BMO Capital Markets
• CIBC
• Economical Insurance
• Manulife Financial
• Sun Life Financial

Technology and Telecommunications

• Axonify
• Miovision
• Samsung Electronics Canada
• Shopify
• Vidyard