The ESD job board on WaterlooWorks features co-op opportunities that Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) has sourced and reviewed. These positions are pre-approved for standard co-op credit.
Whether you’re looking to gain experience in a particular field, explore a new industry or expand your professional network, the ESD job board provides access to a wide range of co-op opportunities. You can explore postings and apply directly to employers while gaining experience navigating real-world recruitment processes.
Applying to jobs on the ESD job board
Applying through the ESD job board offers a more self-managed job search experience. Job may be posted at any time and for any future terms. You always have access to the ESD board and can apply to opportunities whenever they're posted (not only when you are on a recruitment term).
Each employer is responsible for coordinating their own recruitment process from applications to interviews to offers. Timelines for each job will vary depending on the employer's schedules, number of rounds of interviews and other requirements.
Each posting on the ESD job board on WaterlooWorks will include instructions on how to apply, most often directing you to an external employer website. This is a great way to practice navigating different styles of the application process and managing multiple applications, similar to when you'll search for jobs after graduation.
If you're applying to an eight month job that is not in your sequence, you'll need an approved sequence change before accepting the job.
WaterlooWorks tip: Save postings you're interested in by selecting "I intend to apply for this position" in WaterlooWorks. You'll find them in your My Applications folder, where you can track your progress.
Interviewing for jobs from the ESD job board
Employers will contact you directly to arrange an interview. You're responsible for managing all communications and scheduling with the employer.
Communication will typically happen through the contact information you provided in your application, so you will need to monitor your email and messages regularly. You may be invited to complete more than one interview, depending on the employer’s hiring process.
As a co-op student, you are expected to attend every interview you're invited to. If you encounter scheduling conflicts or need to make adjustments, communicate this directly with the employer. Your Co-op Advisor is available to support you if you need guidance on how to navigate these conversations.
Accepting offers from the ESD job board
If you are selected for a job, the employer will contact you directly with an offer. Within seven days of accepting your offer, you must submit your employment information through WaterlooWorks. This allows your job to be verified and officially entered into your work term record.
To submit your offer, you must:
- Go to WaterlooWorks
- Select Submit a form
- Choose Work Term Employment Offer
- Select Offer from Employer–Student Direct Board (5044)
When completing the form, you'll need to provide detailed information about your role, including your job title, job ID (found in the heading of the job posting), start and end dates, pay rate and supervisor contact information. You'll also need to include proof that you've accepted the offer, such as an offer letter or confirmation email. Submitting this form will also lead to the removal of any active applications you still have within the Full-Cycle Service job board.
In some cases, your employer may ask you to complete a Student Employment Acknowledgement Form as part of this process. Once your employer submits this signed form, we will update your employment on WaterlooWorks. Your job will only count for co-op credit once it has been approved and recorded in WaterlooWorks.