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?
“Creating the first Natural Disaster Standard Operating Procedure for Shoppers Drug Mart was a unique experience. Wildfires were occurring in Canada during the co-op, so it was a time sensitive project."
“My biggest piece of advice, especially for students in the Faculty of Arts, is to advertise any and all experience you have that may be applicable to the job.”
“I encourage anybody who is thinking of doing an international co-op to embark on that journey because it's so amazing. You learn so much, both academically and personally."
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
Honouring exceptional co-op students during work-integrated learning month
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) is celebrating 20 years of the Co-op Student of the Year awards this year.
Leveraging transferable skills for a purposeful work term with the Government of Canada
By: Katie Rieger (she/her)
Through work terms with the Government of Canada, you can apply your transferable skills, gain hands-on experience and explore new career possibilities.
Your first recruiting term: 5 tips for success from experienced co-op students
By: Katie Rieger (she/her)
We talked to five upper-year co-op students, each offering advice for students who are heading into their first recruiting term.
Blog
Career ready: co-op facilitated learning across pharmacy sectors
By: Alison Chase | 5 min read
Janine Fletcher (she/her) is in her 3B term of the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the University of Waterloo. Throughout her time as a co-op student, Janine has explored multiple sides of health care from hospital emergency rooms to independent pharmacies.
Breaking the mold: how I found a passionate career in HR
By: Alison Chase | 5 min read
Ciara Fletcher (she/her) is a fourth-year Honours Arts student in Legal Studies with a minor in Philosophy. She talks about learning to pivot and try new things in co-op. Ciara also offers advice to other Faculty of Arts and Legal Studies students exploring co-op opportunities, highlighting the rewards of stepping outside traditional Legal Studies roles to explore new fields and sectors, such as human resources and technology companies.
Healing hands: a co-op student’s journey in patient care
By: Celeena George | 3 min read
Celeena George (she/her) is a fifth-year Health Sciences co-op student who is graduating in the class of 2025. In her blog, Celeena discusses the variety of co-op positions she has held and her future aspirations.