News

Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS), a global leader in customer experience and digital services, has chosen Waterloo for its new AI and data innovation centre—bringing 150 new jobs to the region. The company highlighted the area’s deep talent pool, including the University of Waterloo’s renowned co-op program, as a key factor in its decision. By tapping into Waterloo’s pipeline of skilled, work-ready students, HGS will strengthen its operations while giving students opportunities to apply their skills in AI, data analytics and customer experience on a global stage.

In a Times of India video, Pallavi Thapar, an international student from India, shares how the University of Waterloo helped her overcome homesickness and grow into a confident, independent learner. At 4:23 of the video, she highlights the co-op program and the Centre for Career Development (CCD) as key supports in exploring career options and gaining real-world experience.

By: Christie Zeb (she/her)

Change makers, Rewa and Bruce embarked on a transformative co-op experience in Thailand, supporting migrant teachers and refugee children.

By: Matthew King (he/him)

When the Centre for Career Development (CCD) set out to reimagine CareerHub, their goal was clear: to make it easier than ever for students, alumni and staff to access the career resources they need to succeed. The revamped platform reflects a deep understanding of the diverse career paths and challenges faced by the University of Waterloo community, offering a centralized, user-friendly space designed to inspire confidence and growth. 

By: Matthew King (he/him)

The publication highlights CEE’s four key principles when designing or facilitating intergenerational experiences.

By: Christie Zeb (she/her)

Kyle Joedicke, Cayuga woodland artist, creates a new mural for Co-operative and Experience Education (CEE) to represent unity and community.

Work-Learn Institute research shows increase in students’ teamwork and critical thinking after taking part in the program. WE Accelerate aims to help vulnerable first work-term co-op students build skills to enhance employment for subsequent work terms – and according to research, it has achieved that goal.

In an HRD Talk episode, host Emily Douglas sits down with Judene Pretti, director of the Work-Learn Institute, and co-op student Maanasa Rajaguru, third-year Faculty of Arts co-op student, from the University of Waterloo to explore how employers can more effectively engage Gen Z talent. The conversation highlights Gen Z’s desire for meaningful work and a strong sense of belonging. Pretti and Rajaguru emphasize that young workers thrive when they’re treated as valued team members whose contributions align with broader organizational goals. To connect with the next generation, organizations must foster cultures centred on growth, continuous learning and purpose.

In the Ottawa Sun, Linda White explores how co-operative education programs allow students to test drive careers, highlighting the University of Waterloo’s leading role with North America’s largest co-op program. Molly Furness, career advisor with Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), explains how this hands-on approach helps students confirm or reconsider their career goals early on. Through its Future Ready Talent Framework (FRTF), Waterloo’s co-op program allows students to develop key skills, earn income and establish professional networks, positioning them for job offers and long-term success.