The future of talent begins in co-op.
Our co-op program is the number one reason incoming undergraduates accept an offer from the University of Waterloo. Why? We don’t just talk about results – we deliver them.
Proven success
96 per cent of co-op grads employed six months after graduation worked in a position related to skills they acquired at Waterloo, compared to 79 per cent of Ontario graduates. (OUGS, 2019)
We’re the top Canadian university for producing the most successful entrepreneurs with undergraduate degrees. (Pitchbook, 2023)
From research to programming, we continue to think differently to innovate our programs, initiatives and partnerships so students get what they need.
First and longest-running Waterloo innovation
At Waterloo, innovation is in our DNA. Co-op continues to grow and adapt. As a co-op trailblazer and leader in Canada, the University of Waterloo has partnered with industry for more than 65 years. We’re developing a future-proven workforce that will make real-world changes by tackling the world’s most pressing challenges.
We’re not done
Innovation is the way forward and we’re relentless innovators. We’re looking to:
- Find additional ways to put more jobs in front of students.
- Working on a way to give students easier access to the right resources whenever they need them in a multitude of languages.
- Dedicate more time to have better interactions with students by automating tasks for staff.
- Piloting new software to help students get even more prepared for their job search.
- Make our students as competitive as possible for the job market and help employers get the talent they need.
Hear how the innovation works
From day one, co-operative education has been at the heart of the University of Waterloo.
Our program's solid foundation has empowered us to expand beyond co-op, providing limitless opportunities for our students.