Before you start looking for jobs, here are nine things you need to do:
1. Get to know WaterlooWorks and check that your information is correct
- Apply to co-op jobs
- Submit forms (if required) before, during and after your co-op work terms
- Communicate with your co-op advisor
- Receive important information as you navigate the co-op process
- Keep track of your co-op interview schedule
- Your work term status (found on the "Dashboard" tab)
- Personal information (found in the “My Account” section)
- Study/work sequence (found on the “Co-op” tab)
- Unofficial grade report (found in the “Documents” tab; check that grades are accurate)
- Co-op student record (previous co-op job titles/employers, evaluations, etc.)
Some of this information (e.g., grade report, profile) is pulled from Quest, so you may need to contact the Registrar’s Office if you notice any issues. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to your co-op advisor.
2. Read through your roles and responsibilities as a co-op student
In order to achieve the “Co-operative Education” designation on your degree, you must adhere to the expectations outlined within our co-op roles and responsibilities section linked below.
If you have any questions about what's expected of you, please contact your co-op advisor.
3. Accept WaterlooWorks Terms and Conditions and set your intentions
We need to know if you’ll be looking for jobs on WaterlooWorks, finding your own job outside the system or returning to a previous employer.
4. Take note of important dates and deadlines
At the beginning of your term, be sure to check our important dates calendar for all deadlines related to applications, interviews and rank/match results, as well as the last day to find employment for your work term.
5. Take note of your co-op advisor
On your WaterlooWorks dashboard, you can find your assigned co-op advisor listed next to “WTS” (“Work Term Support”) and can contact them using the “Send a Message” option from your dashboard or by calling the extension listed next to their name.
6. Searching for jobs while off-campus? Follow these steps
There are some extra steps for you to complete to ensure that we know you’re applying and interviewing from a distance.
7. Take note of supports, resources and employer events on campus
8. Learn about job posting scams and how to protect yourself
When searching for jobs, it's important to protect yourself from potential job posting scams. A growing trend in this area targets students and new grads seeking employment, both on public job boards and university employment portals.
9. Get ready to search and apply!
For help with your career direction and application documents, attend a drop-in or book an appointment with the Centre for Career Action, or access online supports through CareerHub!
Once you're ready to start searching, check out the links below for different ways to search and apply for co-op jobs!
Check out the data on where co-op students are working in your program and faculty!
The where co-op students work dashboard utilizes WaterlooWorks employment data to show the various industries and job titles that co-op students have held in the past. You can view these jobs and industries by faculty, program, and work term level.