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A new economic impact report highlights the University of Waterloo as a major driver of Ontario’s economy, contributing nearly $7 billion to GDP through its co-op program, research and alumni activity. The study underscores how Waterloo’s co-op model, one of the largest in the world, helps generate significant economic value by connecting students with paid, real-world work experience that benefits employers and industry.

The University of Waterloo’s co-operative education model was featured at the IMPACT 2026 conference as a leading approach to preparing students for careers in Canada’s growing green and blue economy. Judene Pretti emphasized that co-op and work-integrated learning give students real-world experience, helping them build critical skills, adaptability and a sense of purpose in sustainability-focused roles. The discussion also underscored the importance of strong partnerships between post-secondary institutions and employers, showing how collaboration, multiple work terms and initiatives like SDG-focused reflection activities help students connect their work to broader environmental and workforce needs.

In an interview with CBC News, incoming University of Waterloo president Bill Rosehart emphasized the importance of preparing students for a rapidly changing job market shaped by AI and global competition. He pointed to Waterloo’s co-op program as a key differentiator, giving students the real-world experience and adaptability needed to stay competitive after graduation. As he prepares to take on the role, Rosehart signalled a continued focus on experiential learning as central to the university’s future.

The University of Waterloo has named engineering alumnus Dr. Bill Rosehart as its next president and vice-chancellor, marking the first time a graduate of the institution will lead the university. Rosehart, who brings decades of academic leadership experience, has emphasized Waterloo’s distinctive strength in integrating academic learning with real-world experience through its co-op program. His appointment signals a continued focus on experiential education and innovation as central to the university’s future. The leadership transition reinforces Waterloo’s reputation for producing—and being led by—graduates shaped by its co-op model.

The University of Waterloo is gaining global recognition as a top talent pathway for elite trading firm Jane Street, particularly for engineering and quantitative roles. The firm’s hiring data shows Waterloo stands alongside leading institutions like MIT and Cambridge, with its graduates frequently securing both internships and full-time positions. Waterloo’s co-op program is cited as a key advantage, requiring multiple internships that give students the hands-on experience firms like Jane Street value. The recognition highlights how co-op continues to position Waterloo students for success in highly competitive global tech and finance careers.

University of Waterloo civil engineering graduate Jane Almey is helping lead major high-rise construction projects in Toronto while championing greater representation for women in the industry. A graduate of Waterloo’s co-op program, Almey completed six work terms across consulting, municipal and project management roles—experiences that ultimately shaped her career path in construction leadership. Now a managing partner at Bluescape, she continues to advocate for more women entering the field, highlighting both the progress made and the work still needed to close the gender gap. Her journey reflects how Waterloo’s co-op program helps students explore career paths and build the experience needed to lead in traditionally underrepresented industries.

A University of Waterloo engineering alum has turned a passion sparked by the Netflix series Drive to Survive into a career in Formula 1, now working as an engineer with Williams Racing. After discovering the sport during the pandemic, she built the technical and professional experience needed to break into the highly competitive field—an opportunity supported by Waterloo’s co-op program and hands-on learning environment. Her journey highlights how co-op and experiential education can open doors to global industries, like motorsport.

University of Waterloo students are developing a drone designed to support firefighters by improving how fires are monitored and managed. The project, led by an engineering student team, showcases how hands-on learning and technical training are being applied to real-world challenges with potential life-saving impact. Experiences gained through Waterloo’s co-op program and design teams are helping students translate classroom knowledge into practical innovation. The work highlights how co-op prepares students to contribute to advanced technologies that address urgent global issues.

Faculty of Health co-op student, Sarah Bayrakdarian, shines among talented peers at Breast Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care International Conference.

A University of Waterloo student shares how she earned a spot in the highly competitive software engineering program, choosing Waterloo in large part because of its renowned co-op education and the paid, real-world work experience it offers. After navigating a rigorous application process, she has completed multiple co-op work terms in quality assurance and software development, gaining practical skills and professional connections that prepare her for a career in tech. Her journey highlights how Waterloo’s co-op model helps bridge academic learning with hands-on industry experience.