Explore careers, gain experience and earn money through North America's largest co-op program.
Our students are some of the best and brightest, and our employers know it! One thing is for sure: co-op at Waterloo exists because of YOU and your talent. Now that you're here, we're committed to helping you have the most positive co-op experience possible.
So, what's co-op like?
"When I came to Waterloo, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I felt so behind. The Waterloo co-op program is really great to get an idea of different roles and using that knowledge can be useful to figure out exactly what you really enjoy doing."
“That's something that I'm very appreciative to have co-op for because we only have four-month time intervals in these positions to try out the job and the company, instead of being locked in for a year or more.”
"A valuable lesson I learned from this experience is to take pride in your major; passion transcends traditional expectations. Co-op has given me invaluable insights and practical learning that extend beyond my classroom learning."
Find your co-op job
There are many ways to find a co-op job! Many students start their search on WaterlooWorks, but there are other options to consider to help find a job that fits your goals and meets the requirement for co-op credit.
Supports and resources
Need help navigating co-op at Waterloo? Co-op can be challenging, but we're here for you every step of the way. Check out our online supports and if you have any questions you can connect with your co-op advisor.
News
Heritage meets health care in Tanzania
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
From community engagement to cancer research, Bourdeau’s international co-op experience shaped his path toward a career in health care.
Flipping the script: redefining success as a neurodivergent co-op student
By: Mary Lynne Bartlett
Many students choose Waterloo's co-op program for the experience and benefit of exploring different career paths and choices. However, for a neuro-divergent student, the range of options and choices might be overwhelming. How do you know which path and option(s) will work for you?
Changes coming to co-op hiring cycles this fall
Co-operative and Experiential Education
Get ready for a smoother and more flexible recruiting process.
Blog
Redirection, reflection and recreation
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Through persistence and constantly seeking opportunities, Kelly Ramnarais transformed a challenging co‑op search into a clear passion for therapeutic recreation.
Engineering breakthroughs create real-world impact
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Jane Zeng gained valuable experience that helped her grow from having zero machine learning knowledge to solving problems with real company impact.
AI built through conversation and curiosity
By: Franklin Ramirez | 4 min read
Blending AI expertise with people‑centred collaboration, Franklin Ramirez turns curiosity into solutions that fuel growth and innovation.