Co-op and careers

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Explore careers, earn money, and gain experience through North America's largest co-op (paid internship) program.

As a co-op student, you’ll typically alternate between four months in school and four months as a full-time employee of the organization you're working for.

Open to Canadian and international students, Waterloo's co-op program is an amazing way to learn to successfully interview for jobs, see how your degree relates to real-life problems, graduate with up to two years of valuable experience – and make money!

8,000+ employers

  • Access North America's largest selection of co-op jobs and experiences for university students.
  • More employers means more choice for you.
  • Make money to help pay for school – and gain experience at the same time!

Earn while you learn

  • Our students typically make between $9,600 and $22,500 per four-month work term in Canada.
  • You'll have between four to six co-op work terms.
  • Waterloo students typically have smaller student loans and are more successful at paying them back.

Explore careers

  • Use your co-op terms to try different careers. See what you're good at and what you love to do.
  • Learn to ace job interviews and make contacts before you start your career!

Explore potential careers through co-op

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How co-op works →

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Co-op work-study sequences →

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Co-op vs. internships →

Waterloo students are 4X more likely to do an internship, co-op, field experience, or clinical placement in their first year than first-year students at other Ontario universities.

(Source: National Survey of Student Engagement 2023)

Whether you have a career in mind or you're not sure what you'd like to do, hands-on experience lets you see what you like (or dislike!) and gives you valuable skills that employers want.

Co-op has given me direction and confidence. I would have felt absolutely clueless upon graduation, but now I know what kind of career I want – and I have work experience from five co-op terms that sets me apart. Miila, fourth-year Planning student
Before I started co-op, I had no relevant experience in my field. Through co-op, I've been able to create employer connections, build my résumé, and greatly improve my interview skills! Taryn, fourth-year Therapeutic Recreation student
Co-op has exposed me to different fields. Last term, I used my spatial analyst skills in a GIS analyst role. Next term I’ll be working with my other passion: marketing! Martin, second-year Geomatics student
Being in co-op has improved my time management skills as I learned to balance school, interviews, and my social life. Co-op has also helped me determine my career goals by allowing me to explore different jobs and exposing me to various industries. Renee, fourth-year Computer Science student
My co-op jobs have allowed me to pay for school while completing my degree. I'm now able to graduate from university debt-free, giving me more freedom after graduation in choosing where I live and who I work for. Julia, fourth-year Biochemistry student
On co-op, you get the chance to make and improve from mistakes, learn practical knowledge, and work for a variety of companies. The diversity and practical experience from co-op are undeniable competitive edges for seeking employment after graduation. Sanjeevani, fourth-year Mechatronics Engineering student
Through co-op I’m able to apply my classroom learning during my work terms. Meanwhile, I'm building great networks and gaining valuable experience. I’m confident that the co-op program will prepare me for what is to come after my undergrad. Abby, third-year Psychology student

Career success

Warriors get there faster. In addition to the classroom learning, industry experience, and career support woven throughout your degree, there are many more resources.

  • Workshops on résumé writing, researching careers, networking, and more
  • One-on-one advice for planning your career or further education, preparing for interviews, and more
  • Support for student entrepreneurs to validate ideas and launch businesses
  • Job postings exclusively for Waterloo students and graduates
81% of Waterloo co-op grads earn $60,000+ two years after graduation compared to 44% of Ontario graduates
96% of our co-op grads employed six months after graduation find jobs related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 83% of all university graduates in Ontario

Source: Ontario University Graduate Survey 2022

Is co-op right for you?

Waterloo students complete approximately 25,000 four-month work terms each year, helping them round out their learning with future-ready skills. You'll have between four and six co-op work terms depending on your program. Like every choice you make in life – whether it's coffee or tea, co-op or a regular program – there are pros and cons to both.

Advantages

Among other benefits, co-op

  • allows you to graduate with proven experience,
  • helps you earn money for tuition,
  • teaches you how to network with prospective employers,
  • can let you live in different cities or countries,
  • gives you a break between school terms, and
  • increases your chances for employment upon graduating.

Disadvantages

While co-op can be highly rewarding, it's a competitive program and you aren't guaranteed a job. Being in a co-op program

  • may add stress to your school terms,
  • adds a co-op fee (over $785) to support the cost of the running the co-op program,
  • may require you to move to another city for your co-op term,
  • could limit time for other activities, and
  • takes a year longer to complete your degree.

From the Missing Manual

Visit our Missing Manual website for tips and advice from Waterloo students and staff. Topics include

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What to expect in co-op

To co-op or not to co-op? This is an important decision you will have to make when choosing a program at the University of Waterloo.

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5 tips for a successful co-op work term

What are some things you should consider before you start your first co-op work term? Read Erin's five tips for success in co-op.

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How co-op can help you explore potential careers

Wouldn't it be great to gain experience in your field, make connections, AND earn money — all at the same time?