Welcome to your recruiting term!

Co-op students sitting in Tatham Centre looking at laptop

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.

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

4. Take note of important dates and deadlines

5. Take note of your co-op advisor

Co-operative education will provide a co-op advisor to support you throughout your degree, including your co-op job search, application process, and your co-op work terms.

You can find your assigned co-op advisor on your WaterlooWorks dashboard (previously listed next to Work Term Support or WTS). Your co-op advisor will reach out to introduce themselves before your first co-op job search. You can contact your co-op advisor 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 Development, 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.