After you've secured employment

Congratulations on securing your co-op job! Take a moment to celebrate this accomplishment and the hard work that got you here.  

Now that you've accepted an offer, there are a few important steps to complete before you begin your work term. There's also some planning you can do now to set yourself up for success. 

Once Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) adds your employment details to WaterlooWorks, your work term details will appear on your dashboard under Co-op Sequence – Summary. You’ll find a link to your Work Term Record, which includes work term details with information about your job and employer as well as the emergency contact and location information form to complete. Refer to the Co-op rules to understand your responsibilities and expectations as a co-op student. 

1. Tell CEE about your employment

If you are matched with a job through the Full-Cycle Service (FCS) job board, WaterlooWorks will automatically create your work term record.

If you receive an employment offer through the Employer-Student Direct job board, an external job option (arrange your own job) or returning to a previous employer, submit the appropriate form to CEE within seven days to confirm your employment.

If you've also submitted applications through the FCS board, you must submit your form to be removed from the FCS process by: 

• 12 p.m. (noon) one business day before a scheduled interview, and/or 
• 12 p.m. (noon) two business days before student rankings open. 

If you miss these dates, you must continue participating in the FCS process, including attending interviews and participating in ranking and matching activities. Do not disclose information about your external offer to employers participating in the WaterlooWorks recruitment process. 

2. Manage your active applications and interviews 

Once you’ve accepted a job, you’re expected to honour that commitment. Politely decline any interview invitations you receive and withdraw any outstanding applications. If an employer reaches out, let them know you’ve already accepted another offer. Your Co-op Advisor can help you navigate these conversations if you’re unsure how to respond. 

3. Confirm your employment details 

Taking time to confirm the details of your employment before your first day can help ensure a smooth transition into your work term. Understanding the logistics of your job ahead of time allows you to focus on learning, training, building relationships and making the most out of your experience.  

You can find your employer's contact information on your Work Term Record on WaterlooWorks. Reach out to your employer within seven days of accepting your job offer to finalize your work arrangements, including: 

• Start and end dates (discuss and receive approval for any planned days off or scheduling impacts in advance) 
• Whether you need to sign an employment agreement or contract 
• Salary and how you’ll be paid 
• Work location (in-person, hybrid, remote) 
• Expected hours and schedule 
• Training or onboarding requirements 
• Workplace expectations (e.g., dress code) 

If this information differs from what you originally understood, reach out to your Co-op Advisor for guidance.