Explore careers, gain experience and earn money through North America's largest co-op program.
Our students are some of the best and brightest, and our employers know it! One thing is for sure: co-op at Waterloo exists because of YOU and your talent. Now that you're here, we're committed to helping you have the most positive co-op experience possible.
So, what's co-op like?
"When I came to Waterloo, I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I felt so behind. The Waterloo co-op program is really great to get an idea of different roles and using that knowledge can be useful to figure out exactly what you really enjoy doing."
“That's something that I'm very appreciative to have co-op for because we only have four-month time intervals in these positions to try out the job and the company, instead of being locked in for a year or more.”
"A valuable lesson I learned from this experience is to take pride in your major; passion transcends traditional expectations. Co-op has given me invaluable insights and practical learning that extend beyond my classroom learning."
Find your co-op job
There are many ways to find a co-op job! Many students start their search on WaterlooWorks, but there are other options to consider to help find a job that fits your goals and meets the requirement for co-op credit.
Supports and resources
Need help navigating co-op at Waterloo? Co-op can be challenging, but we're here for you every step of the way. Check out our online supports and if you have any questions you can connect with your co-op advisor.
News
Five tips from career advisors for a successful job search
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
Waterloo career advisors provide practical tips to help you confidently navigate your co-op job search.
Heritage meets health care in Tanzania
By: Emily Totzke (she/her)
From community engagement to cancer research, Bourdeau’s international co-op experience shaped his path toward a career in health care.
Flipping the script: redefining success as a neurodivergent co-op student
By: Mary Lynne Bartlett
Many students choose Waterloo's co-op program for the experience and benefit of exploring different career paths and choices. However, for a neuro-divergent student, the range of options and choices might be overwhelming. How do you know which path and option(s) will work for you?
Blog
Moving through new cities and tech industries
By: Megan Dash | 4.5 min read
Padena Rasouli-Baghban reflects on venturing out of her comfort zone and how it led to an exciting career in software development, spanning across telecommunications, semiconductors and big tech.
Career clarity and human impact in vision science
By: Ameera Khan | 4.5 min read
Co-op helped Ameera Khan discover her passion for tangible human impact through her unexpected yet eye-opening career path into vision science.
Precision meets purpose in environmental engineering
By: Rafin Khan | 5 min read
Rafin Khan’s co-op terms taught him how engineering can blend creativity with precision to solve real-world challenges and create meaningful change.