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An Indian student, Pallavi Thapar, says she chose the University of Waterloo because of its elite co-op program, which provided paid work terms and real-world experience while she earned her degree. Through her co-op placements in psychology and marketing, she built a professional network, refined her career goals and gained confidence navigating Canada’s highly competitive job market. Her journey reflects the importance of strategic planning, adaptability and work-integrated learning for international students seeking long-term success.

University of Waterloo Associate Professor of Economics Joel Blit warns that AI may be displacing entry-level programming jobs, making it harder for new computer science grads to land their first role. He says the skills students build before graduation, particularly through co-op work terms are now more important than ever. Despite the tough market, Waterloo data shows that 96% of its CS students still find a job within six months—something Blit attributes largely to the strength of the university’s co-op program.

The University of Waterloo has teamed up with Google to establish a Google Chair in the Future of Work and Learning, backed by a $1 million investment, supporting new research and hands-on AI prototyping labs. The partnership cites Waterloo’s largest-in-Canada co-operative education program, which has long nurtured students to bring real-world experience into innovation and research, as a key reason Google selected the university. Through this collaboration, students will co-create AI-based learning technologies and directly engage in shaping how people interact with AI in future workplaces.

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: Matthew King

The graduate work-integrated learning (GradWIL) project at the University of Waterloo is finishing its pilot phase and moving into operational programs. This important step is a chance to look back at what has been achieved so far and to show ongoing commitment to giving graduate students practical, career-focused work-integrated learning (WIL) experiences. 

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: Christie Zeb

With funding support, students benefit from the opportunity to contribute to conservation efforts and community development in the Galapagos. 

By: Michelle Radman

On September 25, the Partnerships for Employment (P4E) Job Fair brought together students and alumni from University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University, the University of Guelph and Conestoga College. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the job fair, which was held at RIM Park.

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.