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.
Blog
Making a case for unexpected opportunities
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Starting with limited experience, Herra Rodrigo shaped her career path through persistence and reframing any experience as an opportunity to grow.
Branching out and finding your fit in banking
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Avni Arora’s co‑op journey reflects the power of exploration, embracing new roles across IT, banking and consulting to refine her interests and building a strong foundation in finance and analytics.
Cultivating a career in sustainability
By: Danyka Belanger | 5 min read
Tara Linehan used her co-op experiences to discover where her interests lay in sustainability while choosing employers whose values aligned with her own.
News
Students share three secrets to being change makers in a successful co-op work term
By: Mary Lynne Bartlett (she/her)
At the recent Employer Impact Conference: The power of change makers, four Waterloo co-op students shared insights on what it meant to them to be change makers.
Finding purpose through co-op and Indigenous identity
By: Christie Zeb (she/her)
This Indigenous History Month, we share the story of Ethan Gardner, a Waterloo Psychology co-op student, who found a way to give back, grow and honour his Mi’kmaq roots during his co-op work term.
An Indigenous student’s journey of reconnection and environmental advocacy
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Ojibwe student, Samantha Terry, reflects on rediscovering her Indigenous identity, thriving in co-op roles and building community.