News

In a conversation with National Skills Network, Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost of Co-operative and Experiential Education at the University of Waterloo, highlights the transformative impact of work-integrated learning (WIL) as a global solution for bridging academic theory with real-world application. Dr. McRae emphasizes WIL’s role in enhancing employability, fostering innovation and creating reciprocal value between students and employers. Drawing on Canadian and international frameworks, she shares strategies for building inclusive, high-quality WIL ecosystems.

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.

This Giving Tuesday, we share short vignettes of the large impact a small donation can have on the lives of co-op students.

From co-op student to employer, to alumni, to parent, to support – Ruhuni de Alwis and family connection to Waterloo runs deep

How can you make a positive impact in the workplace? Dr. Norah McRae, associate provost of Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE), discusses how the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals are used as a framework to create meaningful work experiences. Learn how concentrating on impact can open doors to new opportunities and enable both students and employers to tackle the future of work head-on.

University of Waterloo's Co-operative and Experiential Education shortlisted for a QS Reimagine Education award.

Waterloo’s strengths in work-integrated learning and innovation set the foundation for new programming that brings generations together to solve problems for social good.

Gen Z is taking over the world — and the workplace. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. David Drewery, associate director of the Work-Learn Institute, to discuss what Gen Z values most and how these core values are shaping their careers.  

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.

New York-based Balyasny Asset Management (BAM), engaged with University of Waterloo co-op students at a fireside chat recently. On May 24, at the University of Waterloo’s Davis Centre, BAM hosted a fireside chat with one of their leaders in technology followed by a “Bubble Tea with BAM” networking session.