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
Using GenAI in interviews: What students need to know
By: Mary Lynne Bartlett
Like any tool, GenAI works best when used strategically and responsibly.
The University of Waterloo’s Centre for Career Development (CCD) helps students to explore opportunities and build a meaningful future, which can include navigate the hiring process. Recently, CCD added new content to its CareerHub resource to help you make informed decisions about when and how to use these GenAI tools in the interview process.
Celebrating co-op student achievements during work-integrated learning month
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Co-operative and Experiential Education honours Waterloo co-op students whose innovation and leadership shaped industries this year.
Five tips from career advisors for a successful job search
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Waterloo career advisors provide practical tips to help you confidently navigate your co-op job search.
Blog
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.
Lighting up Times Square through design and determination
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Giang Tran turned trust, responsibility and relentless hard work into startup impact, which earned her the Faculty of Arts Co-op Student of the Year Award.
Curiosity leads to quality carbon decisions abroad
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Faculty of Environment Co-op Student of the Year, Francesca Girmenia, learned how to translate academic knowledge into real-world climate action through sustainability research.