If you had a positive co-op experience, you may want to return to the same employer for another work term. Returning to an employer can be a great way to deepen your experience, strengthen your relationship with an employer and build on the skills and knowledge you developed during your previous work term. It may also save you time during the job search process and help you transition more quickly into your next role.
This option is usually discussed during your final performance evaluation with your supervisor. To arrange a return, connect directly with your employer. You may return to the same role or take on a different job, depending on what’s available.
Arrange your return
Once you accept an offer, you or your employer must notify Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) within seven days, so a work term record can be created. Submit the required form in WaterlooWorks > Submit a form > Work term employment offer > Returning to previous employer (5047).
Before you begin, have a copy of your job description and employment offer available, as you’ll need information from those documents to complete the form. You’ll also need to upload proof that you 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 instead. If so, follow their instructions and ensure your employer submits the form to CEE
After submission, CEE will review your form to confirm the job meets co-op requirements. Inform your employer that CEE will contact them to confirm the information on the form.
Understanding your form's status
You can check your form's status while you wait for your response.
| Form status | Description |
|---|---|
| On hold – pending more information | More information is required. You'll receive a message if further action is required of you. |
| Awaiting employer response | We're in the process of confirming your work term details with your employer. |
| Job approved | Your form has been approved. Your job will now be registered on WaterlooWorks and your employment status will be changed to “ER" (Employed: Returning to a previous employer). |
| Cancelled/Withdrawn | The form was withdrawn by the student or cancelled by a staff member if the circumstances did not require a form to be submitted. |
| Declined | The job does not meet the requirements for co-op credit OR the approval process has stalled due to a lack of response from either the employer or student when asked for further information. If we receive the required information, the process may begin again. You may resubmit your form if circumstances change. |