Co-op Fundamentals for Engineering (CFE) is a required preparatory module designed to equip Engineering students for their first co-op work term. Delivered primarily through self-paced online videos and supported by in-person résumé review, CFE covers essential topics such as résumé development, AI-powered mock interviews, co-op job search strategies, workplace safety, harassment awareness and employee rights. All first year Engineering students complete CFE during the fall of their first academic year. By completing CFE, students will be better prepared to navigate the co-op application process, and gain the foundational skills and knowledge needed for a successful and professional first work experience.
Which courses include CFE?
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AE100, BME101, CHE180, CIVE100, ECE190, ENVE100, GEOG100, MSE100, ME100, MTE100, NE100, SE101, SYDE101
CFE will cover:
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The co-op process
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Résumés and cover letters
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Navigating WaterlooWorks
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Job search support and alternative work term options
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Preparing for interviews
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The rank/match process
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Workplace safety and worker rights
We Accelerate
Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate is a program offered at the University of Waterloo that helps you to gain practical experience and high demand skills. This program helps students who have struggled to find a first term co-op position, allowing you to gain experience relevant to the current job market in order to help secure employment in later co-op terms.
Research conducted by the WxL institute found that students who participate in WE accelerate typically find positions faster and receive higher pay in later work terms.
Waterloo Experience (WE) Accelerate | Centre for Work-Integrated Learning | University of Waterloo
More information about Co-op
First year co-op
Examples of upper year co-op positions
Co-op calendar
Finding a job on WaterlooWorks
Missing manual (student tips and experiences)