Our world-class co-operative education program gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn in the classroom to the real world. It is a critical component of their learning journey and helps them to become change makers and leaders in their chosen field. It also helps our students to recognize their own potential to contribute to a better world.
Organizations in the not-for-profit sector are important partners in our mission to prepare future leaders and agents of change. Our students want meaningful work that has a social purpose; however, many non-profits face financial barriers that prevent them from hiring co-op students.
The Co-Op for Social Good Program eliminates this barrier, making it possible for students to complete meaningful work-terms at no cost to the organization. In return, these organizations can engage Arts students in experiences that align with their values and career goals to have a positive social impact.
Opening up the not-for-profit sector more broadly for co-op experiences means that more students across a variety of disciplines will be able to find meaningful positions that are relevant to their studies, while challenging them to consider alternative concepts and practices of business and entrepreneurship.
Sheila Ager, Dean, Faculty of Arts
Join with us and help Arts students broaden their knowledge and experience and explore a wide range of employment opportunities. And feel good in knowing that you are also helping to strengthen the social fabric of our communities.
For more information or to make a gift, contact Nancy Mattes at nmattes@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 48213.
We’d like to extend special thanks to John Hamilton, BA ’73, History. John has made the first gift to kick-off this initiative. His generosity will allow a not-for-profit partner to hire an Arts co-op student for one term in each of the next five years.
What Arts students can bring to your organization
We aren’t surprised that many hiring managers look to Arts when they’re hiring - especially now that Honours Arts co-op makes it possible for even more students to join their ranks. But don’t just take our word for it. Hear from recruiters at top tech companies about why they look to Arts for their next hire.
Recruiting from down the street: Arts students excel in Waterloo-born tech organization BlackBerry
What Arts alumnus Maddie Whibbs enjoys most about her role at BlackBerry is the ability to give students at her alma mater a stab at impactful work experiences.
‘Thriving in ambiguity’: How PointClickCare leverages Arts co‐op students to grow their business
Waterloo Arts co‐op students are standout employees who make a significant impact at electronic health record technology company, PointClickCare, which provides software solutions to long‐term care and senior living facilities.
Read more about how Arts students are making a difference at PointClickCare
