This information affects graduate co-op students beginning their program in fall 2025 and beyond. Students that began in spring 2025 or earlier, please connect with your graduate co-op advisor.
The University of Waterloo’s co-op program benefits from robust support and services for you to utilize throughout your graduate work-integrated learning (GradWIL) experience. Your co-op experience will provide valuable opportunities to develop job-search strategies, enhance career-ready skills and reflect on your professional goals.
One-on-one support will be available to you throughout your degree. You will be assigned to a dedicated graduate co-op advisor, who will be your go-to person for everything from pre-recruitment coaching in your first academic term to work term consultations.
Additionally, you’ll be invited to attend peer-to-peer learning sessions facilitated by your grad co-op advisor, where you can connect with fellow graduate co-op students, share insights and build your professional network. Career development advising and resources are available through the Centre for Career Development (CCD), with online resources found through CareerHub.
The peer-to-peer support was a great opportunity to connect with others and discuss the various weekly themes to help me feel more comfortable in my job search. I made 100 per cent utilization of that - they helped me a lot.
From your very first term in a Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) supported co-op program, you will engage in various GradWIL activities. Beginning with WIL 601: Career Foundations for Work-Integrated Learning, this required professional development course is designed to help you navigate tasks, strategies and resources you will need to engage in ahead of the co-op job search process. Through the course you’ll:
- critically reflect on career identity, values and goals
- evaluate your current skillsets and competencies
- practice interview skills and networking
- understand workplace rights
- establish learning goals for your co-op experience
Co-op offers incredible opportunities and is a competitive process rather than a guaranteed placement.
You’ll find and apply to jobs through WaterlooWorks, our platform that connects students with employers, but that’s just one part of the many supports available to you. Behind every posting is a dedicated team building employer relationships, sourcing quality opportunities, reviewing positions and helping you prepare to apply and succeed. It’s a full support system designed to help you make the most of your work terms. For more information on CEE supports, visit your co-op fee.
International students and students seeking to work outside of Canada should review information on work permits and/or working abroad.