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
Shooting for the stars: Waterloo co-op student pursues dreams in the space industry
By: Krista Henry (she/her)
Taking her shot at an out-of-this-world co-op job has led Waterloo Arts student Angelica Lee closer to her dreams of outer space.
Global citizen and award recipient: Samantha Kremer
By: Micaela Kelly
Samantha Kremer (she/her) values international co-op experiences and giving back to communities abroad.
Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) and Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (GSPA) partner in piloting new graduate co-op opportunities
By: Matthew King (he/him)
The innovative student support model is a key differentiator for enhanced work-integrated learning.
Blog
Bridging kinesiology and patient care through co-op
Sarah Larochelle (she/her), a fourth-year Honours Kinesiology student with a Medical Physiology Minor, is the Faculty of Health Co-op Student of the Year! Her dedication to patient care and clinic efficiency at PhysioMira Physiotherapy earned her this distinction.
How AI is reshaping HR: a new era of intelligent solutions
Linda Wang (she/her), a third-year Computer Science student, is the Co-op Student of the Year for the Faculty of Math! Her incredible work at the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) played a pivotal role in developing one of the company’s first generative AI (GenAI) use cases in human resources (HR).
Advancing space exploration: optimizing the next generation of space telescopes
Michelle Kao (she/her), a third-year Physics and Astronomy student, has been recognized as the Faculty of Science Co-op Student of the Year for her outstanding contributions at the National Research Council, Herzberg Astronomy and Astrophysics Research Centre. Michelle is also the 2024 winner of the Experiential & Work Integrated Learning Ontario (EWO) Co-op Student of the Year.