Your work term at a glance

Every work term looks a little bit different, but planning ahead can help you stay on track and make the most of your experience.

To get a sense of your general responsibilities while on a work term, review our co-op roles and responsibilities and check your WaterlooWorks messages often. 

Have a question or concern during your work term? Send a message to your regionally-assigned co-op advisor at any point - they have experience with your employer/location and can help answer your questions! 

Your work term at a glance

Timeline Activities
Month 1
  • Update your work term record within WaterlooWorks to ensure we have the most current information on file. Sometimes job details change, but it's important that we know how to reach you in case you need support throughout the term.
  • Complete workplace orientation/training.
  • Discuss expectations with your supervisor – this can help you work toward an excellent student performance evaluation at the end of the term.
  • Set goals and learning objectives for yourself to make the most of your work term.
  • Confirm the last day of your work term with your supervisor.
  • Check out our work term supports page to see what resources you can access on a work term.
Month 2
  • As you approach the halfway point of your work term, it is highly recommended that you schedule a mid-term evaluation with your supervisor. This is a chance to review and revise your learning objectives in advance of your final evaluation. 
  • Around the half-way point in your work term, we'll reach out to see how your work term is progressing and ask you to complete an eCheckin form within WaterlooWorks. 
  • Some students may be contacted by their co-op advisors to arrange a work term consultation either in person, over the phone or online. For more information, see our work term supports and consultations page.
    • If you are on your first or second last work term, or are working for an employer who hasn't hired UWaterloo co-ops before, expect a site visit, either in-person or by phone/Skype. 
Month 3
  • Start thinking about your next co-op work term. If you’d like to continue your work with the same employer, discuss this possibility with your supervisor. 
    • Note: If you've agreed to an eight-month commitment with your current employer, you must fulfil this requirement.
  • Start thinking about your work-term report and discuss topics with your supervisor. Please see work-term reports for more information.
  • Plan for your performance evaluation – this is a mandatory milestone that you must complete with your employer at the end of your work term. For more information, visit your performance evaluation.
Month 4
  • Ensure that your supervisor completes and submits your performance evaluation form before the end of your work term. This is a mandatory milestone for all co-op students.
  • It is recommended that you complete your work term recap form within WaterlooWorks to reflect on your work term.
    • Note: In your work term recap form, you can request to meet with your co-op advisor after your work term to further reflect and plan for your next work term.
  • Revise your résumé to prepare for the next work term hiring process. Feel free to show the updated version to your employer for feedback!

After your work term ends

  • Reflect on your work term - what did you learn? What skills did you use? What projects did you enjoy or not enjoy? These kinds of questions can help you to refine your career path and determine next steps.
    • Tip: This is a great time to book a career development appointment with the Centre for Career Development! In these appointments, you can discuss your overall career plans with a Career Advisor, who can help you understand your skills, strengths, interests, values, personality and more! 
  • Verify your work-term status on WaterlooWorks, and your intentions for the next work term. Visit WaterlooWorks Help for more information.

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