Co-op

Informational Resources

To get started, use the steps outlined in this article.

Co-op Website

This resource covers all general information related to the co-op program including how to find a co-op job, how to use WaterlooWorks, working abroad, co-op fees, and more.

 Co-op roles and responsibilities

We want to outline our expectations of you as a student, share the supports that we have in place for you, and other important information to help you increase your success throughout the co-op process.

International Students - Co-op Resources 

This page outlines specific details about how international students should prepare and for their co-op term, as well as tips for international students and resources available to them during their terms. 

Preparing for Co-op

Centre for Career Development

Career Advisors can help with career planning, career management strategies, graduate and professional school preparation, work search methods and setting meaningful career goals. This can be done through one-on-one sessions, workshops and events, and several other resources such as the Career Hub.

EngSoc

Find resume and interview tips, sample resumes, and various workshops that will help set you up for a successful job search.

Career Hub

Use this site to find resume writing tips, interview tips, and advice on finding work. You can also use your WatID credentials to take a look at the current employment statistics.

Applying for Co-op

First year co-op

Learn more about what to expect in your first co-op term and applying for jobs.

Co-op Sequences

Use this page to learn when the co-op and study terms are for your program!

WaterlooWorks

WaterlooWorks is a platform used by students to apply for jobs, book interviews, and several resources /platforms for finding jobs even outside the co-op term. 

Co-op Resources

Co-op & Experiential Education (CEE) Hub

Contact the Co-op & Experiential Education Hub for answers to general co-op/career questions.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Centre for Career Development

Contact the CCD for personalized career development advice. For more information about the CCD's services and resources, visit their website.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Future ready talent framework

This website details a series of key competencies/skill sets that are in high demand in today's workplace. 

Requesting a stream

If you have a strong preference for a particular stream, you can request this by filling out the stream request form. We can't guarantee that you will be placed in the stream you prefer, because we must balance the students in each class. 

Longer Work Terms

Are you interested in pursuing a longer work term (e.g., 8-16 months)? It may be possible depending on the circumstances. You can find information regarding Co-operative Education Program requirements for Engineering students in the Undergraduate Calendar.   

Students who are approved for longer co-op work terms should be aware of potential implications. Contact your academic advisor and your co-op advisor to discuss further. 

Students in 1A and 1B 

Normally, First-year Engineering students are not permitted a stream switch or sequence change to accommodate a work term that lasts longer than four months. Engineering students may contact fye@uwaterloo.ca, and Architecture students may contact archunde@uwaterloo.ca for further information. 

Eight-month work terms 

Many majors have eight-month work terms built into their sequence. You can find co-op sequences for BASc, BSE, and BAS in the undergraduate calendar. If you are not scheduled for an eight-month work term and have received an offer for an eight-month position, talk to your academic advisor about your next steps. 

12–16-month work terms 

Normally, work terms longer than eight months are not recommended for Engineering students. Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Stream Switches 

If your program has both a four-stream and eight-stream cohort, you may be able to accommodate a longer work term by switching into the other stream. This is not always possible based on the balance of students in each cohort. Contact your academic advisor to determine if this is a possibility for you. 

Sequence Changes 

To request a stream switch or to change your co-op sequence, complete a Sequence Change form and submit it to your academic advisor. 

Implications for Students 

Delayed Graduation 

If your major has one stream – or your longer work term coincides with your next scheduled academic level – it is likely that you will have OFF terms before you can resume your studies. An OFF term means you are not studying or working for credit. During an OFF term, you can work, but the role will not be recorded in WaterlooWorks nor will it count for co-op credit, however, the experience can be added to your resume. Adding OFF terms to your sequence normally means a one-year delay in your graduation. 

Co-op Eligibility 

Engineering students are scheduled for six work terms in their sequence. Additional work terms are only granted under exceptional circumstances. If you have obtained six work term credits, no additional work terms will be granted to accommodate longer jobs. Taking successive work terms earlier in your program can lead to future OFF terms when you would normally have co-op.  

If you are employed on an OFF term, your employer is not eligible for the Co-op Tax Credit.  

International Students 

If you are a visa student on a study permit, having OFF terms in your sequence could jeopardise your post graduation work permit status. If you are considering completing a longer work term, contact an Immigration Consultant to review the possible implications of your plan. 

Working Abroad 

If you are planning on working abroad, you may require a visa (e.g., J1 Visa to work in the United States). Certain visas may require you to be pursuing a work term credit. Talk to your co-op advisor to determine implications of work term status on potential employment opportunities.