Welcome to your recruiting term!

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

WaterlooWorks is our online system created to help students at Waterloo find work. You will be using WaterlooWorks to:

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

It’s your responsibility to confirm that the following information is accurate and up-to-date:

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

Once accepted into a Waterloo co-op program, you are expected to abide by the policies of the University of Waterloo and conduct yourself in a professional and ethical manner in all aspects of your participation in your co-op program.

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

Before you start applying to jobs, we need you to read and accept the terms and conditions on WaterlooWorks, and set your intentions to let us know how you’ll be searching for jobs.

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

Every term, you’ll be assigned to a co-op advisor who is there to support you through finding work.

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

Students studying or working abroad during their recruiting term are eligible to apply to jobs through WaterlooWorks and receive off-campus support.

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

If it’s your first time going through co-op or if you have specific goals in mind, take note of the supports, resources and employer events across campus to help you achieve what you’re hoping for! Remember: when in doubt, we’re here to help point you in the right direction.

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!

Start thinking about what jobs and industries interest you, and how you can highlight your skills in your résumé and cover letter.

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.