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
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.
Spring 2023 co-op convocation spotlight
by: Isabella Deak
Waterloo's graduating Warriors reflect on their co-op journeys while embracing the future.
Dedicated Waterloo student wins Canadian Buildings National Student Scholarship
By: Maddie Savage (she/her)
A prestigious scholarship is helping a Waterloo Architectural Engineering student to shape her career.
Nadine Metwali received the first-place Canadian Buildings National Student Scholarship. Out of 587 students in the Canadian Buildings program, they selected her for the $3,500 award — which aims to identify students with high potential.
Blog
Discovering non-traditional paths in health care
By: Anajanaa Vimalathas | 3.5 min read
From student engagement to health research and quality assurance, Anajanaa shares how her experiences helped to shape her career path and why it’s important not to limit yourself during the job search.
Navigating new cities and careers in tech
By: Megan Dash | 5 min read
How co-op helped Zain Salman explore various fields of software engineering and overcome the challenges of moving to a new city.
From startups to spacecrafts: The nonlinear journey to aerospace
By: Megan Dash | 5.5 min read
All the achievements, challenges and lessons Mihir Gupta learned from his nonlinear co-op journey that ended with him landing his dream role at Blue Origin.