JADA: Job Aggregator and Digital Assistant

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What is JADA?

JADA (Job Aggregator and Digital Assistant) is an AI-powered tool in UWaterloo Portal that provides an additional way for you to search for potential co-op-eligible jobs and answer your questions about co-op. Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) and Information Systems and Technology (IST) teams worked with co-op students to develop JADA.

JADA features two main components:

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Job aggregator

Compiles co-op eligible job postings from multiple job boards into a searchable database and analyzes their match with your uploaded résumés. Currently available for web/desktop only.

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Digital assistant

Answers your questions, provides career resources and outlines information about co-op processes and your responsibilities as a co-op student. 

How does JADA help my job search?

JADA is accessible through UWaterloo Portal (Portal), to all students.

The job aggregator helps streamline your job search. It pulls potential co-op credit-eligible job postings from a wide range of sources into one place. With JADA, you can spend less time searching through multiple job boards and more time applying to jobs that match your goals.

The digital assistant offers 24-hour support to help you find information about co-op at Waterloo. JADA uses AI and the co-op website to answer your questions. We recommend validating any information you’re not sure about with your co-op advisor.

As a beta user, you can help shape the future of JADA. Your experiences and feedback are crucial in refining this tool to better serve students across our campus. Please provide feedback directly in Portal or connect with your co-op advisor.

Key features

JADA has been designed to make your job search easier and more efficient. Some key features include:

  • Upload multiple résumés - Upload and manage up to five (5) résumés to your profile that are tailored to different industries, roles or skill sets.
  • Skills match - JADA compares your résumés and profile to job descriptions to help find jobs that align with your experience, skills and academic background.
  • Custom searches – Enter details about the jobs you're looking for, including location and company names.
  • Faculty-aligned jobs – You can view all postings in JADA, but it will highlight opportunities aligned with your faculty.
  • 24-hour online support – The digital assistant is always available to answer questions about co-op at Waterloo.
  • Multilingual assistance – Input your queries in multiple languages.

Discover how Evan Yan, Faculty of Math co-op student, worked on JADA and the ways he sees students utilizing the tool in their job search. →

View "Making an impact for students using JADA" on YouTube

Frequently asked questions

How is JADA different from WaterlooWorks?

JADA is an alternative way to find jobs that are not posted in WaterlooWorks. It uses AI to match you with opportunities based on the skills and accomplishments on your résumé. It also offers 24-7 access to a digital assistant to answer basic questions about co-op when your co-op advisor may not be available. It is another tool in your co-op toolbelt! 

Who can use JADA and how can I access it?

As of fall 2025, all current co-op students at the University of Waterloo can use JADA as another tool to help find potential co-op-eligible jobs.

You’ll receive instructions via email from your co-op advisor when JADA becomes available to you. Access JADA by visiting UWaterloo Portal on the web. Login with your WatIAM username and password and click on the co-op widget in the UWaterloo Portal menu.

Do I have to use JADA instead of WaterlooWorks?

No. JADA is an optional tool in your toolbox. It is intended to complement WaterlooWorks by giving you more ways to explore job opportunities. We encourage you to use WaterlooWorks, JADA and other resources to find your co-op job.

Is JADA safe to use?

Yes. JADA was developed by the University of Waterloo and build on UWaterloo Portal using Microsoft tools. JADA and Portal adhere to the University’s privacy and security standards. You’ll need to accept the terms and conditions to use JADA.

What kind of jobs can I find on JADA?

JADA helps you discover potential co-op jobs that are not currently listed on WaterlooWorks, including roles from new or emerging employers. Once you find potential co-op-eligible jobs in JADA, you’ll apply directly to the job using the method indicated in the job listing. If you secure a job, you’ll need to submit an Arrange Own Job (AOJ) form and select JADA under “How did you find this job?”.

Can I apply to jobs directly through JADA?

No. JADA allows you to search for and view jobs while using the tool in UWaterloo Portal. To apply for job postings, go to the external job board linked in the job listing and follow the application process listed. If you secure a job, you’ll need to submit an Arrange Own Job (AOJ) form and select JADA under “How did you find this job?”.

How does JADA use AI?

The job aggregator uses AI to scan your résumé and compare it to job postings to determine a suitability match. The AI functionality does not eliminate jobs from your search results but ranks them based on match suitability with your résumé. JADA also uses a large language model (LLM) and embedding model to associate jobs with the appropriate faculty based on your profile.

The Digital Assistant provides answers in two ways: it retrieves information from our knowledge base or, if the specific information isn't available, it uses AI to generate a response based on relevant University documents and web pages.

Can I get help using JADA?